Which imaging technique is used in the diagnosis of various diseases, including cancer?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is particularly effective for diagnosing various diseases, including cancer, because it provides unique insights into metabolic processes in the body. Unlike standard imaging techniques that predominantly show structure, PET scans reveal physiological activity by detecting gamma rays emitted from a radioactive tracer administered to the patient. This tracer is often linked to glucose, allowing oncologists to observe how cancer cells metabolize sugar at a higher rate than healthy cells.

This functional imaging capability makes PET scans invaluable in detecting cancers and monitoring their progression or response to treatment. While other imaging methods like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are also used in cancer diagnosis, they primarily focus on anatomical detail rather than metabolic activity, which is essential for identifying certain types of tumors or evaluating their aggressiveness. Thus, PET stands out as a key tool in the comprehensive assessment of cancer.