What to expect from a PET-CT scan for lymphoma

A PET-CT scan for lymphoma usually involves an injected tracer, a quiet waiting period, and imaging while you lie still. The tracer highlights areas using more glucose than surrounding tissue, while CT provides detailed pictures of body structures. The appointment may take several hours because the tracer needs time to move through your body.

The scan can help the oncology team map where lymphoma is located, assess lymph nodes and organs, and compare findings with earlier images. A brighter area is not automatically cancer: infection, inflammation, recent treatment, or normal activity can also affect the image. The report is interpreted alongside your examination, biopsy results, blood tests, and treatment history.

Follow the imaging centre's instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and diabetes care. Tell the team if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have difficulty lying flat. Wear comfortable clothing without metal where possible. After the injection, rest quietly and avoid unnecessary conversation or movement; drink fluids after the scan if your team allows it.

Contact the imaging or oncology team promptly if you develop swelling, rash, breathing difficulty, faintness, or worsening pain after the injection. Seek urgent help for severe breathing trouble, collapse, or sudden confusion. Ask how and when results will be shared, because the scan itself does not provide a diagnosis during the appointment.

Ask what you should eat or avoid before the scan, whether your usual medicines need adjustment, and how diabetes will be managed. You can also ask which body areas will be imaged, when to expect the report, and what further test may be needed if a finding is unclear.