PET Scans and Nuclear Medicine Explained

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, a powerful medical imaging tool.
It uses radioactive tracers that release positrons inside the body.
When positrons meet electrons, they emit gamma rays detected by the scanner.
PET scans reveal metabolic activity, not just anatomy, unlike CT or MRI.
Fluorine-18, attached to glucose, is a common tracer for detecting cancer.
Doctors use PET scans to study brain function, heart health, and tumors.
The images show “hot spots” where cells are unusually active.
PET scans are often combined with CT or MRI for more precise diagnosis.
The tracers decay quickly, limiting radiation exposure to patients.
Nuclear medicine, including PET, saves lives by detecting disease early and guiding treatment.