Positron Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography - A sophisticated nuclear scanning technique used to create detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body. The positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be used to detect cancerous tissue and cells in the body that may not always be found through CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). When a PET scan is performed, the individual is first injected with a glucose (sugar) solution that contains a very small amount of radioactive material. The PET scanner is then able to "see" damaged or cancerous cells where the glucose is being taken up (since cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells) and the rate at which the tumor is using the glucose (which can help determine the tumor grade).

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