What is PET?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive procedure that can locate abnormal biochemistry in a patient.
In cancer, changes in biochemistry occur before a tumor mass forms. As a result, PET can often identify the presence of disease earlier than a test which looks for a tumor mass.
PET information is usually used together with CT or MR information.
The PET scan can help identify the presence of abnormal biochemistry or disease. CT or MR can be used to precisely identify the location.

What is a PET/CT Scan?

PET/CT is the most advanced medical imaging technique available today, combining Positron Emmission Tomography with Computed Tomography.
PET/CT combines the fine structural detail of CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function in order to identify both the presence of disease and its precise location. This combination allows for earlier and more accurate detection of disease than either CT or PET alone
A PET/CT scan helps your physician diagnose a problem, determine the best approach to treatment or monitor your progress.

Cancer cells grow at a very fast rate.
Growing cells use glucose as a primary source of energy. The faster cells grow, the more glucose is consumed.
A form of glucose called FDG, which emits particles called positrons, is injected into the patient.
The FDG molecules are consumed more in fast-growing cancer cells than in normal cells, resulting in concentrations of FDG, and positrons, in areas of cancer.
Both PET and PET/CT scanners detect where positrons are being emitted from within a patient and provide images that map the locations.