special subjects
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Uses of PET
PET is used to evaluate blood flow and activity in the heart and brain, as well as to detect cancer and other abnormalities. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) of the Heart can show how well the heart is functioning, which can help determine whether a person is a candidate for coronary artery bypass graft surgery or a heart transplant. PET of the brain can show how well the brain is functioning and which areas of the brain are most active during certain activities—for example, during mathematical calculations. PET is occasionally used to help doctors diagnose Alzheimer Disease and PET can show where a cancer is, where it has spread, and how it is responding to treatment. About 80% of PET scans are done to help doctors evaluate cancer. These cancers include Lung Cancer , PET also helps doctors determine whether enlarged lymph nodes in people with cancer are due to the spread (metastasis) of the cancer or to another abnormality. 