PEM - Positron Emission Mammography Questions Answers Long Island Suffolk Nassau Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology

Frequently Asked Questions: PEM - Positron Emission Mammography

Q. What is Positron Emission Mammography?

A. Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) is a new device that is optimized for the breast, producing very sharp, detailed images of abnormal tissue. PEM is ideal for women at risk for or who were diagnosed with breast cancer, helping physicians treat breast cancer more effectively.

Unlike large PET systems that scan a person's entire body, PEM is a special form of PET for imaging breasts and other small body parts. The PEM scanner uses far less compression than a mammogram, and produces a very sharp, detailed image of abnormal tissue, such as cancerous tumors. With PEM, doctors can see cancers as small as 1.5 - 2 mm, about the width of a grain of rice.

Q. How should I prepare for the procedure?

A. You should not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the exam, except for water and medications. Diabetic patients should discuss their diet with their physician. Avoid heavy physical activity, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and other stimulants for 24 hours prior to the exam. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal. Be sure you are NOT PREGNANT for the exam. Bring all relevant imaging studies the day of the exam to ensure the most accurate interpretation.

Q. What happens during the test?

A. About 1 hour prior to the exam, the nurse or technologist takes a drop of blood to test the blood sugar level. Following the blood test, the FDG is administered through an IV. The compound is similar to glucose, and there are no side effects or risk of allergic reaction. The tracer is taken up by both normal and abnormal tissue, according to their metabolic rate. More active tissue, such as tumors, will accumulate more radioactivity and show up as “hot spots” on the scan. It takes about 45 minutes for the FDG to be adequately taken up by the whole body.

You are then directed to the PEM scanning room and seated in a chair. The technologist positions the breast in the PEM scanner, similar to a mammogram, but using far less compression. Each breast is scanned separately for approximately 10 minutes. Typically, two scans are performed on each breast

The images are then processed and interpreted by a Board Certified Breast Specialist Radiologist. There are no restrictions on daily routine after the PEM exam, although you should drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive tracer out of your body.

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