How does a PET scan work and can you.....?

My husband is going for a PET scan on Jan. 2nd to see how much further his Cancer has progressed. Anyone have experience with this type of test? Can you get the results the same day, or do you have to wait?
Please serious answers only.

Doc..if they don't give you results that day, is that a good sign? Does that mean they are not that concerned? Could it be a sign of good news? Thanks.

In a PET scan, your husband will be given a radioactive substance (either drank or injected, depending on where the cancer is) and the scanner detects the emmission of positrons from the radioactive material to give you a picture of the inside of someone's body.

It's usually used in cancer testing to detect biochemical changes in the cancer, indicating to the doctor that the cancer is getting better, worsening, or remaining the same.

It usually takes one to three days for a specialist (radiologist trained in PET) to interpret, report and deliver the results.

Good luck to you and your spouse, hope he gets a clean bill of health.

It depends totally on the testing center and how they structure things and your doctor (who referred you) rather than anything inherent about the test. Theoretically, you can have the scan, have it sent electronically to a radiologist sitting at a terminal who then does the official read, immediately sends it to your doctor, who then meets with you to discuss the findings, could be done in an hour. Generally not though, for various reasons. I would ask your doctor when you should meet with him to discuss the findings, which will give you a much better idea of when the information will be available.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan) Used for Parkinson's disease for brain functioning: It's also used for Epilepsy with special cameras and special dyes. It was rated as accurate as cartiography for the hearts. and "Very Effective. This is all I can tell you from the physicians disease referance.
But it should give you a good idea what they're going to do. Good luck

The only two good answers have been given by "Dolf" and "TheDoc". Pay particular attention to these and ignore those answers that do not address your specific concerns.

My Mom has had two PET scans, and the test will show wherever there is cancer growing. Every cancerous tumor will appear to almost glow on the scan, and so they will be able to tell if your husband has cancer anywhere else they don't know about.

We always had to wait 2 days for the results. I would be very careful not to interpret not hearing anything as either good or bad. Naturally, we are all hoping for the best for your husband.

i had a pet scan you drink some liquid and you are put in a machine like a cat scan it will show if there is any new cells. you will get the results from your Dr. it doesn't mean anything bad when you don't get the results that day. they have to look at them and read them carefully. GOOD LUCK!!

They usually don't give you results right then. The tests are run by the technicians and the doctors have to read the tests later.
I hope the results are good.
Best wishes