What should you know about a PET scan of the stomach?

The PET portion shows areas where the FDG radiotracer collects, reflecting cellular glucose use. CT shows the stomach wall, nearby organs, and lymph nodes in their anatomical position. Uptake can be affected by inflammation, infection, normal variation, food or activity before the scan, and recent treatment. A finding in the stomach therefore needs interpretation rather than being treated as a diagnosis on its own.

The scan may be used alongside endoscopy, biopsy, CT, or other imaging when clinicians are assessing a stomach lesion, checking nearby or distant areas, planning treatment, or reviewing a response. It may also help examine disease when the primary site is uncertain. Ask which question your team wants this scan to answer.

Follow the centre's instructions about fasting, water, medicines, and exercise. Tell staff about diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding, reflux symptoms, recent infection, and any difficulty lying still. You will usually rest after the FDG radiotracer is administered before lying on the scanner. Avoid unnecessary movement and follow directions about bladder emptying or fluids. Read about the PET-CT Scan, PET-CT Scanner, and FDG Radiotracer to prepare for the process.

Call before the appointment if you cannot fast, have questions about medicines, or need support with positioning. Tell the imaging team about any unexpected reaction after the tracer. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, vomiting that will not settle, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain. Make sure you know how the report will be delivered and who will connect it with endoscopy or biopsy findings.

Is this scan assessing the stomach itself, lymph nodes, or other areas too? Do I still need endoscopy or biopsy? Could inflammation affect the result? What preparation applies to my diabetes medicines? When will the findings change the treatment plan?