What should you know about a PET scan of the abdomen and pelvis?

The tracer highlights patterns of cellular activity while CT maps the anatomy. In the abdomen and pelvis, the images may include the liver, bowel, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, and nearby lymph nodes. Normal urinary tracer clearance can make the kidneys and bladder visible. Bowel movement, infection, inflammation, and recent treatment may also change appearances. A bright area is therefore a clue for the radiologist, not a diagnosis by itself.

Your oncology team may request this scan to investigate a finding, look for disease in several connected regions, assess lymph nodes, help plan treatment, or compare with earlier imaging. The result is read with your history and other investigations.

Use the centre's instructions about fasting, water, medicines, and exercise. Tell staff about diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent infection, and any difficulty lying flat. You may rest after receiving the FDG radiotracer before the images are taken. Emptying your bladder when asked can improve comfort and reduce tracer in the field. Wear comfortable clothing and bring relevant scan reports if requested. The PET-CT Scan and FDG Radiotracer pages explain the wider process.

Call the imaging centre if you cannot complete the preparation, have taken food or medicine that conflicts with the instructions, or need help with mobility. Tell the team promptly about a reaction after the tracer. Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing trouble, fainting, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain. Arrange a follow-up conversation so the report is explained in relation to your symptoms and next steps.

Which organs and lymph-node areas are included? Do I need special diabetes instructions? Could bowel activity or recent treatment affect the images? When will the report be available? What result would change the next step?