PET scan for Hodgkin lymphoma: what to know

The scan combines a metabolic image with detailed body images. An injected FDG radiotracer is taken up by tissues using glucose. Areas of Hodgkin lymphoma may appear more active, but infection or inflammation can also create activity. The report is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, blood tests and any biopsy results.

Doctors may use PET-CT to look at lymph nodes and other body regions, establish the extent of lymphoma, and compare findings after treatment. A bright area is not, by itself, proof of cancer, and a scan cannot replace tissue diagnosis when a biopsy is needed.

Follow the imaging centre's instructions about eating, drinking, medicines and diabetes. Tell the team if you may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have difficulty lying still. Wear comfortable clothing and plan for a quiet period after the injection while the tracer travels through your body.

Bring previous scans and a list of medicines. After the images are reviewed, ask how the result affects the next step, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or a cellular treatment. The result may also be compared with an earlier scan rather than judged in isolation.

Contact the imaging service promptly for worsening swelling, rash, breathing difficulty or faintness after the injection. Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion or sudden weakness. During lymphoma care, report persistent fever, drenching night sweats, new breathlessness or rapidly enlarging swelling to your oncology team; night sweats can have many causes and need context.

Ask what the scan is intended to answer, whether you need to change food or medicines, which areas will be examined, and when the report will be discussed. You can also ask what an active area could represent, whether biopsy information is needed, and how the result might alter your treatment plan.