Positron Emission Tomography Health Article

Cancer screening

—A procedure designed to detect cancer even though a person has no symptoms, usually performed using an imaging technique.

CT scan

—An imaging technique that uses a computer to combine multiple x-ray images into a two-dimensional cross-sectional image.

Electron

—One of the small particles that make up an atom. An electron has the same mass and amount of charge as a positron, but the electron has a negative charge.

Gamma ray

—A high-energy photon, emitted by radioactive substances.

Half-life

—The time required for half of the atoms in a radioactive substance to disintegrate.

Malignant growth

— A cell growth or tumor that becomes progressively worse and that can metastasize elsewhere in the body.

Metabolism

—The sum of all physical and chemical processes occurring in the body to maintain its integrity and also the transformations by which energy is made available for its uses.

MRI

—A special imaging technique used to image internal parts of the body, especially soft tissues.

Photon

—A light particle.

Positron

—One of the small particles that make up an atom. A positron has the same mass and amount of charge as an electron, but the positron has a positive charge.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• How many PET scans will I have to undergo?
• Are there any risks associated with the radiopharmaceuticals that will be injected?
• How reliable are PET scans for my type of cancer?