What is a PET Scan?

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that can help reveal the metabolic or biochemical function of your tissues and organs.

Cancer cells show up as bright spots on PET scans because they have a higher metabolic rate than do typical cells. PET scans may be useful in:

• Detecting cancer.

• Revealing whether your cancer has spread.

• Checking whether a cancer treatment is working.

• Finding a cancer recurrence.