Fluoroestradiol F 18-PET Scan for Breast Cancer

Author: Christina Bach, MBE, LCSW, OSW-C

Content Contributor: Philipose Mulugeta, MD, and Victor Babatunde, MD

Last Reviewed: March 9, 2026

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What is a fluoroestradiol F 18 scan, and what is it used for?

This test is used to check your body for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancer cells. It can help with the diagnosis and treatment planning of recurrent and/or metastatic breast cancer.

You will have this test in the PET scan or Nuclear Medicine department of your healthcare facility. Nuclear medicine is a type of radiology that uses radioactive materials to diagnose or treat diseases. This type of scan is very specialized and not available at every healthcare center.

How is this test done?

This test uses a radiotracer, Fluorine-18 fluoroestradiol (Cerianna™), to find the ER+ cancer cells. This radioactive tracer targets ER+ cells by binding to the receptor.

An IV (intravenous, into a vein) is placed. The radioactive tracer will then be given through your IV. The amount of radiation used is very small. A CT scan and then a PET scan are done to see the areas where the radiotracer has been attached. The test takes about 2 hours.

A PET machine makes an image of your body on the screen. Any areas with a higher amount of radiotracer will show up as a bright spot on the image. Normal and abnormal (cancer sites) can appear as bright spots. An imaging specialist (radiologist or nuclear medicine doctor) will look at your scan and give a summary of your results.

How do I get ready for the scan?

You will need to stop certain medications before having this scan, including

Tell your provider if you are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects

You may have

Injection-related swelling and pain around where you had your IV. You can use warm or cold compresses if you need to.
A metallic, sour, or bad taste in your mouth after receiving the tracer. This should go away on its own.

After the Test

You can go back to your normal activities when you are ready. Talk with your provider about how much water you should drink after the test to help flush the tracer out of your body.

Wait for at least four hours after the scan to start breastfeeding again.

This scan is an important tool in diagnosing and treating ER+ metastatic or recurrent breast cancers. Be sure to review your results with your provider. They can explain what the findings mean and how they may guide your care.