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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Metabolic Breast Cancer

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is this scan?

It is a scan to find and look at estrogen receptor (ER) positive lesions in adults with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Getting ready for your scan:

  • Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.

Food

  • Eat and drink as normal. Drink a lot of water.
  • If you have any other test today where you are told not to eat or drink for a longer amount of time, follow those instructions.

Medicine

  • Stop taking:
    • Tamoxifen: 8 weeks before your scan
    • Fulvestrant: 28 weeks before your scan
  • Take your other normal medicines with water before your scan.

Before your scan, tell your nurse if: 

  • You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
  • You have a fear of closed-in places or if you are very nervous. We can give you medicine to help you relax. You will need a person with you to drive you home if you take the medicine.

What to expect:

  • The scan takes 30 to 45 minutes. You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours.
    • Before the scan we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).
    • You will wait 20 minutes in a room with your eyes open and the lights dimmed before the scan.
  • After the scan you may:
    • Eat and drink as normal
    • Do your normal activity
    • Drink extra fluids and pee often

Your appointment:

Directions: 

  • Take Elevator I to the Lower Level (LL).
  • Take a left out of the elevator.
  • The PET Imaging Center reception is down the hall on the right. 

Changes to insurance: 

These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the scan can help lessen delays. If you have any changes to your insurance: 

  • Call Registration (866-309-0382) before your appointment. 

If you cannot do the prep: 

  • You may not be able to have the scan.
  • You may need to be rescheduled.

 If you need to cancel: 

• Call the PET Center at 319-356-4100