PET imaging in Burbank CA is a powerful diagnostic tool that is primarily used to determine the stage of a variety of cancers, such as a colorectal, head/neck, lung, esophageal, melanoma, lymphoma, thyroid, breast, brain, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. Positron Emission Tomography scans are an excellent alternative to surgical biopsy and can detect lesions throughout the body and determine if they are malignant or benign. Its currently the best way to check for cancer and recurrence. The scan can also help your doctor determine if chemotherapy is working as it should and helps patients avoid unnecessary surgical treatment.
Why Theyre Better than Other Imaging Options
MRI and CT scans are also available, and they can be used for a variety of things. However, PET scans measure metabolic changes on the cellular level that occur in tissues and organs. PET scans have an advantage over other technologies, as they can determine whether lesions are benign or malignant. If the PET scan is negative, no surgical biopsy is necessary.
They can also be used to monitor therapy because they can detect recurrent or residual disease and determine the differences between radiation necrosis, post-surgical changes, and tumor recurrences.
As such, PET scans detect disease earlier, as the disease process usually starts at the cellular level. MRIs and CTs cant detect any changes until the disease causes structural changes to the tissue or organ. However, a PET scan can be used with other imaging technologies to give a 3D view of the organ or determine where the cancer is within the organ.
Therefore, it is possible that your doctor may order multiple imaging scans depending on your particular needs and what they want to see or do. All three options may have a place in your treatment or diagnosis. For more information visit Glendale MRI.
