Researchers hoping to better understand the workings of the human brain may have a powerful new tool at their disposal. A new radiotracer used in conjunction with PET scanning is offering insights into epigenetic activity. This process is what determines which genes are expressed and which ones are not. It may play a crucial role

Patients who present with nonsolid lung nodules are likely to find that biopsies and the potential for more invasive surgery are in their future. Although these typically asymptomatic growths in the lung are not always a cause for concern, their potential to become so may have some doctors rushing to the conclusion invasive intervention is

Receiving a positive diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most terrifying things for a person to endure. Even when the cancer is considered highly treatable, the prospects of surgery, chemo, radiation and the potential side effects that may go along with them can be daunting. Given all of that, it’s not surprising most

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a very early stage breast cancer that is considered non-invasive. This form of the disease is highly treatable and has a very low mortality rate as compared to other forms of cancer. Researchers are finding, however, that DCIS that is inadequately addressed through excision and other means greatly increases the

Men who have undergone prostate cancer treatments may find the disease makes a return. While this is a very rare occurrence courtesy of highly effective treatment protocols, it does happen in some cases. For men who have undergone invasive procedures in the past, the suspicion of recurrence can open the door on the potential for

Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States find their disease is highly treatable. In some cases, they might even be told no intervention is required at all. There are cases, however, when aggressive forms of the disease threaten a man’s life courtesy of a propensity for the cancerous cells to spread to

People whose doctors suspect they have certain illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, may be told they need to go in for a PET scan. This instruction can be a bit intimidating for those who are unsure what to expect. After all, the name sounds just a little bit mysterious. Despite that, there’s no

For the thousands of patients diagnosed with lung and esophageal cancer, routine follow-ups to make certain recurrence hasn’t occurred will become a part of their routine. Researchers are finding, however, that one test’s use should be carefully considered to keep unnecessary procedures off the table. PET scans are often used in the diagnosis process, but

Patients who have undergone salvage re-irradiation for head or neck cancer may find a PET/CT scan ordered after treatment. This simple testing procedure can provide doctors a great deal of insights into the success of treatments while delivering prognostic value, as well. To determine just how effective the PET/CT scan was in regard to determining