A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, looks at tumor activity in the body. PET scans are done by injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope, or tracer, into a vein. The tracer travels to places in the body where there is tumor activity. After the tracer is injected, your child will have to lie very still on the PET scanner table while pictures are taken.
Your healthcare team will provide you with instructions about how to prepare for a PET scan. For example, there may be special dietary instructions to follow and there may be additional instructions if your child needs sedation.