Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a powerful diagnostic tool that in many cases provides images  that no other medical  test can provide.  PET is a non-invasive procedure.  It helps physicians in the areas of Oncology, Cardiology and Neurology. Biochemical changes can be detected by a PET scan after a compound that contains radioactive molecules, bound to a sugar-like substance is injected into the body.  These molecules provide the tracers that allow the measurements of metabolic activity within the body.  A computer records this information and converts it into pictures for diagnostic purposes. PET scans are used to detect cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy. These scans are performed on the whole body. PET scans of the heart can be used to determine blood flow to the heart muscle and help evaluate signs of coronary artery disease. It can help determine if procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery would be appropriate treatments for blood flow problems. PET scans of the brain are used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause; who have suspected or proved brain tumors; or who have seizure disorders that are not responsive to therapy, therefore, are candidates for surgery.
How do I prepare for a PET Scan? What is PET Fusion?		What do PET scans look like?