How is a PET scan useful in oncology?

A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is particularly valuable in the field of oncology because it specifically identifies metabolic activity in tissues, which is a key indicator of cancer. Unlike many imaging techniques that primarily focus on the structural aspect of tissues, a PET scan provides insights into how tissues are functioning at a molecular level.

Cancer cells typically have a higher rate of metabolism compared to normal cells, often consuming more glucose and exhibiting increased activity. During a PET scan, a radioactive tracer that is often a form of glucose is injected into the body. This tracer accumulates in areas of high metabolic activity, allowing the scan to highlight regions where cancer may be present, since tumors generally show up more prominently due to their increased glucose uptake.

This characteristic makes PET scans particularly useful for not only detecting cancer but also for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and assessing the progression of the disease. Moreover, it can aid in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions, guiding treatment decisions based on the metabolic profile of the detected abnormalities.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the unique function of PET scans in oncology as effectively. Evaluating structural integrity of bones, assessing blood circulation, and measuring lung capacity are functionalities of other imaging modalities like X-rays or