CT and PET scan radiation level

[chitb]

Recent news report that getting a yearly lung CT scan may be a good idea.

Compared to a chest x-ray, how much more is the radiation from a CT scan? What risk are we talking about if a CT scan is done yearly?

Lastly, I'm confused about the difference between CT scan and PET scan. Sometimes for diagnostics I read they are done together. What is the difference between them and which (or together) is better? Again, what is the health risk as far as radiation is concerned for PET scan or the CT/PET scan combo?

Thank You.

[tt1021]

My husband has been having tests for black lung, after having his CT done they have ordered a Pet Scan for abnormal lesions.  Does anyone have any idea what this may mean?

[tt1021]

Does anyone know if a pet scan is normally ordered for pneumoconiosis?

[chitb]

Sorry, must have done something stupid on my computer and thought this entry did not go in. Kindly disregard the double entry of the same query.