Positron
emission tomography, also
called PET imaging or a
PET scan, is a safe and painless
test that measures glucose
uptake in the body. (This diagnostic
examination acquires
images of the body through the emission
of tiny particles. The
particles relate directly to the
glucose metabolism of different
organs of the body.)
The PET scan acquires
images of the body by detecting
energy
released from tiny sugar molecules
that have been labeled with
a radioactive tracer. These images
measure the glucose
metabolism of different organs of
the body and find parts of the
body that might have active cancer
within them.
PET scans are often performed in
conjunction with CT
(computed tomography) scans to allow
for a more complete
evaluation of the body.
Common uses of PET scanning
include:
- Detecting cancer throughout
the organs of the body
- Evaluating effects
of cancer treatment and
extent of disease
- Analyzing blood flow
to the heart muscle and
its function
- Creating an image of
brain tumors before and
after therapy
- Evaluating patients
with seizure disorders
- Analyzing patients
with signs of dementia
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