Scan results
How long do PET scan results take?
By Cura Editorial Team ·
Most PET scan reports are ready in about 2 to 5 business days. Timing varies by lab, hospital, and the tests your care team orders.
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A PET scan is read by a radiologist or nuclear medicine doctor, often next to a CT scan taken at the same time. The report usually compares the new images with past scans. When a case is discussed at a tumor board, a meeting where several specialists review the plan together, the full discussion of results can take longer.
A typical PET scan timeline
| Step | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Images processed | Same day | PET and CT images are combined. |
| Radiologist report | 2 to 5 business days | Comparison with past scans can add time. |
| Tumor board review | Often 1 to 2 weeks | Depends on when the board meets. |
| Results visit | Varies | Many oncologists share PET results at a scheduled visit. |
These are general ranges. Your own timeline may be shorter or longer.
Why a tumor board can take longer
Tumor boards usually meet on a set day each week or every other week. If your scan is reviewed there, your doctor may wait for that meeting before sharing a plan.
This waiting is about getting several specialists to agree on next steps. It does not by itself mean the scan showed something serious.
Why delays happen
Comparison with past scans
If earlier scans were done somewhere else, the radiologist may wait for those images.
Specialist readers
Not every center has a PET reader on site every day.
Tumor board schedule
Results may be held for the next board meeting.
When to call
- It has been more than 5 business days and you do not have a results visit.
- You were told your case would go to a tumor board and the meeting date has passed.
- You see a report in the portal and do not know who will explain it.
If you have symptoms that feel like an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Questions to bring to your doctor
- When will the report be ready, and when will we go over it together?
- Will my scan be discussed at a tumor board, and when does it meet?
- Is the radiologist comparing this with my past scans?
- Will the result appear in my portal before our visit?
- What are the possible next steps after this scan?
Common questions
How long do PET scan results take?
Most reports are ready in about 2 to 5 business days. Tumor board review can mean a longer wait before your doctor talks with you.
Why does a PET scan take longer than a CT?
PET images are often read with CT images and compared with past scans, and fewer doctors read PET scans.
Does tumor board review mean bad news?
No. Many cancer centers review many cases at tumor boards as routine practice.
Related reading
Why do scan reports take so long?
A scan takes minutes, but the report goes through several steps that can take days.
ReadWhat does pending mean in my results portal?
Pending usually means the result is not finished yet. It is a status, not a finding.
ReadWaiting on PET scan results
The full PET scan waiting guide.
ReadAll waiting-for-results guides
Every test, typical timelines, and what to do while you wait.
ReadThis information is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for advice from your own care team. Cura Well Plan does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and AI-generated content may contain errors — always confirm important details with a qualified healthcare provider. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.