A lot of PET scanners are used in combination with CT scanners in a PET-CT machine to provide hybrid imaging that utilizes the benefits of both techniques.

Positron emission tomography is used to visualize the body structure and cell activity within the body.

PET scanning is a fast, sensitive, non-invasive, and comprehensive way to assess a patient with cancer to determine the location and stage of cancer and also evaluate their treatment response. The procedure uses a low dose of radioactive elements tagged to radiotracers that help doctors to clearly visualize the metabolic activity of body cells.

The various radiotracers used in PET scans include 2-(18F)FDG, (68Ga)Ga-PSMA, (68Ga)Ga-DOTATATE, and Na(18F)FDG. When injected into the body, the 2-(18F)FDG radiotracer distributes to particular target sites with a high metabolism.

The radiotracers can quickly identify any areas with abnormal cell activity or illness. The doctors will also be able to measure the tumors for future comparisons.

This is to determine the metabolism of the tumor to see if it is still viable or active, or to check for any changes in metabolic activity.

PET scanners may also be designed with in-built MRI scanners for better visualization of organs such as the brain and pelvic organs.

Doctors perform PET scans to stage, restage, and assess the response of cancer to treatment. For instance, the oncologists can perform the procedure to stage disease (find out the extent of its spread) and determine the best treatment option for the patient.

A PET scan is a unique technique that identifies and targets cancer cells with high glucose metabolism. They can also assess dementia and seizures, check heart functions, and evaluate unresolved fevers.

With the growing number of cancer cases across the world, doctors need a technique that can identify early disease to necessitate treatment and cure. PET scans play a vital role in early cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many oncologists depend on PET imaging to save the lives of patients by identifying tumors early, and accurately staging cancer to help save patients’ lives.