A positron emission tomography (PET) scan reveals how your organs and tissues are functioning. Compared to other scans, this can sometimes early detect diseases before showing up. This scan helps in detecting and evaluating many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. A combined PET and Computed Tomography (CT) scan produces 3D images that allows your doctor to better diagnose an illness and assess your condition.

A PET scan can:

• Measure vital functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use and blood sugar (glucose) metabolism
• Identify issues in organs and tissues
• Detect cancerous tumor cells
• Evaluate how well a treatment plan is working

How does it work?

PET scans detect diseased cells in organs and tissues. You receive a safe intravenous (IV) injection of a radioactive drug called a radiotracer. The radiotracer will be absorbed by diseased cells and the scanner detects this radiation and produces images of the affected tissue. This shows how an organ is functioning in real time.