UNMC lymphoma expert: avoid unnecessary CT, PET scans

At the same time a national study reveals too many unnecessary tests are being ordered by doctors for their patients, a UNMC lymphoma expert warns against unnecessary CT or PET scans. Dr. Julie Vose MD says unnecessary tests expose patients to low-dose radiation from the medical imaging. "I think they, (patients) should ask, 'Is this scan really necessary?' and "what are we looking for?' to determine if the scan is necessary to do at this time." says Dr. Vose. If you are being treated or have been treated for lymphoma, are in complete remission and have no symptoms, lymphoma experts say there is no reason to have routinely scheduled computed tomography (CT) scan or positron-emission tomography (PET) scans for check-ups.