In the past, PET scans were only used for cancer patients as a way to determine whether or not they had metastatic cancer. Now, thanks to new technology and advancements in medical imaging, we can use PET scans to detect cancer in other parts of the body.
In this article, we will discuss what PET scans are and how they are used in cancer care. We will also cover some common uses of PET scans, including their use in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma, as well as their use in the diagnosis of other diseases such as melanoma and adrenal tumors.
What Is a PET Scan?
A PET scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses radioactive isotopes (radioactive compounds) to create images of organs on a computer screen. The test is performed by injecting a patient with a small amount of radioactive material that is measured by a scanner after it passes through the body. The radioactivity then accumulates at different rates in different organs depending on their function; therefore, it can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities without having to do an invasive procedure (such as surgery).
