Scan Time

Happy New Year to All- I am getting a cat scan on Tuesday, but I have a cold and cough.I thought I remember reading once that infections and inflammation would light up on the scan. Will they be able to tell the difference between coughs and colds and cancer? God bless- Cathy

[jessica]

Hi Cathy~

Ugh! Scan time...that's always a bumpy time for me. So,wishing you peace & tranquility, calm & a quick turn around on your results!
If you're having a regular CT Scan, that type of scan only images physical bodies. A PET Scan, however, differentiates metabolic/live things from non metabollic/artifact & scar tissue. Inflammation can also show up on a PET scan. It's common to do a combo CT/PET-I like to think of it as the CT part is like a B&W photo, then the PET colors it in, differentiating live stuff from scar tissue or artifacts.
Be sure to tell the tech that you have a cold & maybe they can do a better job of explaining what they're able to differentiate/see on the CT.
Much luck & keep us posted on the results!
Keep the Faith!

[DeborahNC]

Just had my first PET this morning. I have bouts of diverticulitis; feel like I'm in the throes of it now. Sounds like this will light up the PET scan. I really stress during these 'wait' periods for results.

[Patty H]

I just had a pet scan and a c-scan. I got the pet scan written report first and it suggested this or that, but when I got the c-scan written report it said things like there is no signs of cancer in the liver as the pet scan suggested etc. It was like the c-scan did a close up of the things the pet scan wondered about. I have learned lately that after a scan I can come back in a couple of days and get a written copy of the results. I really like this, not having to wait around to hear from my Dr. Also I like to read them before I see him so I know what I am up against and what questions to ask. Patty H