pet scan of breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-28,2024

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning for breast cancer is a medical imaging technique utilized to evaluate the presence, location, size, and potential metastasis of breast cancer. This procedure involves the injection of a radioactive tracer containing sugar molecules, which cancer cells, due to their heightened metabolic activity, absorb in greater quantities, resulting in bright areas visible on the scan images.

For the PET scan, patients are instructed to lie quietly while the tracer is administered intravenously. Following this, there is a waiting period to allow the tracer to circulate and be taken up by cells, typically lasting about an hour. The patient is then positioned in the PET scanner for a scan duration of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, during which they must remain still to ensure image clarity.

PET scans are crucial for diagnosing breast cancer, assessing cancer stage, and monitoring treatment responses. However, they have limitations, such as the inability to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors and lower sensitivity to small tumor lesions. Consequently, PET scans are often used in conjunction with other imaging modalities, including ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI, to enhance diagnostic precision.

Women should perform regular self-breast examinations and have an annual mammogram. Any detected abnormalities should prompt timely medical consultation. With a physician's guidance, the most suitable diagnostic methods should be selected based on individual circumstances to facilitate early detection and treatment of breast cancer.