PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is one of the most advanced radiological tests used to look for different diseases and cancers in particular.
PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is one of the most advanced radiological tests used to look for different diseases and cancers in particular. The test is also effective in detecting neurological and cardiac abnormalities. This test helps to detect the condition very early even when symptoms are not visible to the patient. PET CT is almost safe and has various benefits over conventional testing procedures like MRI, CT and other radiological tests. There are also various side effects related to PET CT scan test which cannot be ignored in some patient having different medical conditions. This side effect range from mild to severe and depends on the condition of patient. Here is the list of side effects that PET CT scan procedure have:
List of Side Effects of PET CT Scan
1. Exposure to Radiations
- Radiation exposure in PET CT procedure is one of the basic and most common side effects of PET CT test.
- Repeated scan can expose body to radiations frequently which can trigger health condition.
- Limited exposure to radiation is not dangerous but in certain conditions like pregnancy, it can be dangerous.
- Radiation level during the test is small but children and pregnant women are sensitive to small exposure. This can lead to abnormal conditions in women.
2. Allergic Reactions due to radioactive Tracer
- PET CT scan uses radioactive tracers like FDG glucose. This can create allergies in some people.
- There can be mild to serious allergies with radioactive tracer.
- Mild allergies can include vomiting, nausea, rash, redness etc.
- Serious allergic conditions can include difficulty in breathing, swelling, shortness of breath, problems in some organs like kidney.
- Severe allergic reactions need immediate medical attention and can be treated in hospital.
3. Discomfort from Injection
- Some patient may feel very uncomfortable with infection of radioactive tracer.
- There are conditions like redness, pain, swelling which can occur after injection.
- There are conditions like tenderness or bruising which remains after injection.
- Swelling at the site of injection with rash.
- Probability of infection at the site of injection.
4. Low Blood Sugar in Diabetic Patients
- Patient with diabetes need to be careful during the test and disclose condition before going for the test.
- Doctor will instruct the diabetic patient about taking the radioactive tracer.
- Incorrect insulin uptake can create serious problems, if patient goes hypoglycemia.
- Patients with diabetes are always given special instructions to avoid any type of side effect or uncertainty related PET CT scan.
5. Side Effects of Contrast Dye
- PET CT scan uses contrast dye for better scanning and pictures of the site.
- Contrast used in PET CT scan can have various side effects like nausea, headache, vomiting and other health conditions.
- There may be rare risk of infection at site of injection.
- Contrast dye has bad effect on kidneys and may lead to kidney failure in some cases.
6. Temporary Increase in Radiation in the Body
- PET CT scan uses radioactive radiation, which can increase the radiation level in body for some time.
- Remains of radioactive tracer in the body after contrast dye.
- Avoid contact with infants, children and other people for about 12-24 hours till radiation gets low.
- Intake of water in large quantity to flush out radioactive tracer.
7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns
- Pregnant women should avoid PET CT scan due to radiation exposure.
- In dare need, there are specific procedures to perform PET CT scan during pregnancy.
- Avoid breast feeding up to 24 hours after PET CT scan, so that radiation and dye will be neutralized till that time.
8. Claustrophobia and Anxiety
- PET CT is closed spaced machine, which can create fear of closed spaces in patients (claustrophobia).
- Test can also lead to anxiety in patients.
- Some patients may feel uncomfortable and restless thinking about result of test.
- Patient requires lying position for about 30-60 minutes, which can not be comfortable in some patients.
9. Fatigue After the Scan
- PET CT procedure is complex and hectic, patient may feel fatigue.
- Patient requires fasting of at least 6 hours, which can be the cause of fatigue and tiredness.
- Taking food and water can help to regain the strength after some hours of test.
10. Some Rare Side Effects
- Patient may feel dizziness, headache, vomiting etc.
- These do not require any medication and get well after some time.
- Some allergic reactions can lead to kidney damage or failure in very rare cases.
What Precautions Should be Taken After PET CT scan?
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid contact with children up to 24 hours
- Follow medical advise
- Reveal any allergic condition before going for test
- Stay in touch with doctor till the symptoms disappear
List of Different PET CT Tests
- DOTA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- Brain PET CT scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET CT scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET scan (Book Now)
Click Here for the list of all Types of PET CT scan
Conclusion
PET CT scan is very efficient and advanced test used to look for the medical conditions like cancer, neurological problems and cardiac abnormalities. PET CT scan uses radiations with radioactive tracer, which helps to detect the condition early even when symptoms are not visible. There are various side effects of PET CT scan and these include exposure to radiation, allergic conditions, not suitable for pregnant women etc. Even though the advantages exceed the side effects of the test, this is why the test is used for the most cancer conditions. This test helps to detect the condition very early even when symptoms are not visible to the patient. PET CT is almost safe and has various benefits over conventional testing procedures like MRI, CT and other radiological tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can PET CT scans cause cancer?
The risk is extremely small, but radiation exposure may slightly increase long-term risk. The benefits usually outweigh this concern.
Is PET CT safe for children?
It is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary due to children’s sensitivity to radiation.
Does PET CT cause kidney problems?
In some rare cases, there may be problems related to kidneys due to PET CT scan.
What are the side effects of PET CT scan?
There are various side effects like allergy, radiation exposure, not good pregnant women etc.
