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Plain-English guide
Explain my PET scan, step by step
PET/CT reports talk about things “lighting up.” Here is what that means, and how to get yours explained.
What a PET scan shows
Before a PET scan you get a shot of a sugar-like tracer. Busy cells use more sugar, so they “light up” on the scan. Cancer cells are often busy, but so are areas of infection, inflammation, and healing.
Words you may see
- FDG avid / hypermetabolic: this area took up more tracer than usual.
- SUV: a number for how bright an area is. Higher means more tracer, but it is not a diagnosis by itself.
- Physiologic uptake: normal brightness (the brain, heart and bladder always light up).
- Deauville score: a 1–5 scale used for lymphoma.
How MyScanGuide helps
PET/CT is part of our Full analysis ($500). Several AI tools outline bright areas and measure them, and you get a plain-English explanation, a detailed report for your doctor, and questions to ask.
Get your scan explained
Plain-English explanation and questions for your doctor. Full analysis: $500.
Questions
Does a bright spot mean cancer?
Not always. Infection, inflammation and healing can also light up. Your doctor uses the whole picture to decide.
For information only. Not medical advice. MyScanGuide is not a doctor and does not diagnose or treat. Always talk with your own doctor. In an emergency, call 911.