What type of imaging technique is a PET scan primarily used for?

A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is primarily utilized for cancer diagnosis and monitoring due to its ability to detect metabolic changes in cellular activity. Cancer cells typically exhibit higher levels of metabolic activity compared to normal cells, which allows a PET scan to highlight areas of concern within the body.

This imaging technique works by introducing a small amount of radioactive glucose into the body, which is preferentially taken up by metabolically active cancer cells. The scan then detects the radiation emitted from this substance, creating detailed images that can reveal the presence of cancerous tissues, assess the impact of treatment, and monitor for any recurrence of the disease.

While PET scans can also be useful in brain imaging to assess neurological conditions and in cardiac assessments to evaluate blood flow and heart function, their primary and most recognized application is in oncology for diagnosing and monitoring cancer.