Is a PET scan only used to diagnose cancer?

My mum was poorly at the end of January, with a bad chest infection, she has COPD and this was quite bad so she spent 3 days in hospital. A CT scan showed a fair sized shadow on her lung. They waited 8 weeks to rescan in case it was infection. This scan has shown the shadow hasn’t changed so an urgent PET scan was ordered on Wednesday. The appt is Monday. 

Mum is barely 6 stone, she has lost 4 stone the last 3 years, for no reason.

What I’d like to know is, is a full body PET scan, in the above circumstances, used primarily to detect cancer? 

Many thanks

  • Hi DinkyD33,

    I'm sorry to hear your mum has been unwell - I can understand this must be concerning.

    We have some information on our website about PET scans, which may be helpful to look at. The test is used for further investigation and to diagnose various conditions including cancer. You should typically expect to get results within two weeks.

    If you are going to the appointment, you may wish to note down some questions you'd like to ask - in order to get information about next steps, when and how you'll hear more, and anything else you'd like to know.

    We also have nurses available if you'd like to speak to them at all. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator