What is a bone scan?

What;s the difference between a bone scan and a PET scan?

• my doctor's have ordered me to have a Cat Scan tomorrow because they are unsure if the growth on my head is related to my battle with testicular cancer during the summer of 2006. They have ordered me to have a Bone Scan next week. What is a bone scan? Do you get a IV with it? Or do you have to drink that nasty contrast stuff that you have to drink with Cat scans? Also what is a PET scan? What is the difference between these two scans on the body? Do they hurt you or wear you out? Why do you have to fast before taking a CAT scan for ? Medical professionals only please answer. Thank You! Here is my cancer blog I'm thinking of adding some new stuff about me and this stuff after my family ,doctors and I finally figure just what is going on with my body. http://wwwlumikancommycancerbattle.blogspot.com/

• Answer:

  A PET scan views metabolic activity in the body. The doctors can see how well organs function and measure blood flow; areas of concern throughout the body literally light up. A bone scan identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown and is used to detect bone mets. I have never had either procedure I only view the scans and the reports so I do not know if it wears you out, but I do know you are given the tracer material by IV in both types of scans and both are painless.