TEST ACRONYM

FULL TERMINOLOGY

Positron Emission Tomography

DEFINITION

Positron emission tomography is an imaging test used to diagnose and monitor cancer and other conditions

WHEN TEST WOULD BE PERFORMED

Commonly known as a PET scan, this test helps physicians to detect biochemical changes that may suggest the presence of cancer or other illnesses. The changes on a PET scan may appear before a patient exhibits visible symptoms. For cancer patients undergoing treatment, PET scans can identify how aggressive a cancer is and the extent of its metastasis (spread) to other parts of the body.

INFORMATION VALUE

The changes on a PET scan may appear before a patient exhibits visible symptoms. For cancer patients undergoing treatment, PET scans can identify how aggressive a cancer is and the extent of its metastasis (spread) to other parts of the body.

CAUTION

PET scans are safe procedures that do not pose significant risks for most patients. The radioactive materials used are minimal and only remain in the body from a few hours to a few days. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women may be urged not to undergo a PET scan because of the potential for exposing a fetus or newborn to potentially harmful radiation. For many cancer patients, the benefits of the scan and the information it provides about the disease outweigh the associated risks.