Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Does a whole body pet scan show the brain?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Yes: Whole body pet-ct scan usually includes images from the top of the head through the mid-thigh. Though technically the brain is included in the exam, the brain is very metabolically active and appears very "hot" on pet, so it is not very sensitive for detecting metastatic disease in the brain. Often, depending on the type of cancer and other factors, screening may also include a brain mri.
Answered 7/5/2019
5.2k views
Not routinely: Normally the brain is not included unless specifically indicated. Also , when you scan the brain you use a slightly different imaging technique ( a longer image) for improved resolution.
Answered 3/28/2013
5.2k views
If it is included: The drug given goes everywhere in the body, including the brain. How much of the body that is imaged depends on the disease being looked for. For lymphoma, scans start at the base of the brain and end at the upper thighs. For head and neck cancer, the scan is from the top of the head to the upper thighs. Melanoma includes the whole body, and seizures is just of the brain.
Answered 3/31/2020
5.1k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Will a brain scan be able to show evidence of mental illness?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Can i get a brain scan to see if I have real mental illness? As in real i mean it shows up on the brain scan not just from self reporting on symptoms?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I have picked up something has infected my brain making major mental changes, personality etc and is very strong and painful scan and blood show nthng?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Does spect scan or Pet scan always diagnosis drugs Neurotoxicity to the brain ?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Is there a way to check dopamine levels in the brain? Would a pet scan be of any benefit?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Brain pet scan no metabolic activity means no cancer of brain or no cancer anywhere in my body? Does this also mean no inflammation, hypometabolism?
Brain mass? If a pet scan slide of the head and neck that shows the scalp i.E. The brain, what do three circles mean with ctac 3.75 thick next to it mean as an annotation. Is this a brain slide of 3 d dimensions or three separate tumors? I suppose you kn
Life expectancy for lung cancer gone to brain. Pet scan shows no other cancer now, only 1 tumor on brain. Surgery and whole brsin radiation will be?
I have been referred to case western prion unit and Cleveland clinic for suspected sporadic fatal insomnia but I dont have resources to go. I also cant get a doctor to order a pet brain scan that would show hypo metabolism of the thalamus. Help?
Is a pet scan of the brain accurate?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
