 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||
| PET Imaging When first developed Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging was utilized primarily as a research tool; this was because of the expense of the scanner and the difficultly in generating the needed radioisotope by an on-site cyclotron. In the last several years PET imaging has come into routine clinical use as radioisotope became commercially available and the price of PET scanners decreased. PET imaging is used primarily in the diagnosis and staging of cancer; PET imaging is a very sensitive test for tumor detection; making this modality a serious tool in clinical oncology practices. The most common applications include the initial work-up of a solitary pulmonary nodule detected on other imaging studies such as CT scanning. In this setting a nodule of seven or more millimeters can be analyzed to determine whether it represents an early lung cancer or a benign granuloma. Other common applications are the initial staging of colon cancer and lymphoma with subsequent scans used for detecting recurrent tumor. Most tumors can be evaluated with PET. PET imaging is also a valuable tool in neuroradiology, helping to define recurrent tumor from radiation necrosis in brain neoplasms. Outside of oncology, PET imaging is utilized in other neurological conditions such as epilepsy, neuro-degenerative disorders and psychiatric illness. |
||||||||||||||||||
