How long does a PET-CT scan take to work for lymphoma?

The team checks your details, gives a tracer and asks you to rest quietly while it moves through your body. You then lie still for the PET-CT images. The exact time varies with the department, the scan area and whether extra images are needed. The test shows activity and anatomy; it does not shrink lymphoma or replace a biopsy when tissue is needed.

A specialist reviews the images with your symptoms, examination, blood tests and other findings. The report may help assess the extent of lymphoma or compare activity with an earlier scan. It is normal for the result to be discussed later rather than at the scanner.

Use the department's instructions about food, drinks, exercise and medicines. Tell staff about diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and mention if lying flat is difficult. Wear warm, comfortable clothes and allow time for the whole visit. Arrange transport if your team advises it, and ask whether you can eat or drink normally afterward.

Before leaving, confirm how the result will reach you and whether the scan is being used for diagnosis, staging or checking response to treatment. Keep your oncology appointment even if you feel well.

Tell staff immediately about significant discomfort during the scan. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse or a rapidly developing swelling or rash after the tracer. While waiting for results, contact your lymphoma team if you develop rapidly worsening breathlessness, severe weakness, confusion, uncontrolled pain or other concerning change. The scan result and symptoms are assessed separately.

Ask what the scan is checking, how long you should expect to be at the department, whether medicines or diabetes instructions need adjustment, when the report will be ready, and what the next step may be if the images show active areas.