PET Scan Essay

In as much as different forms of body scanning exists, positron emission tomography has been found to be very effective in the treatment and control of tumors and metastases. The technology uses radioactive tracers to check on the normal functioning of the body. Actually, this form of imaging has been found to be very effective in management and treatment of abnormal body functional processes. The scan does not use a lot of time and tends to be less risky as well as having limited side effects. The scan’s effects will usually fade from the body within 24 hours while its efficacy is guaranteed. The PET scan should not be risky if all the safety precautions are observed and adhered to. This form of imaging is quintessential when dealing with …show more content…
The most common type of radioactivity molecule used for tracing is the 18F fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). As a medical and research tool, this scan produces three-dimensional images that map the body metabolic, organ, and functional processes to enhance the treatment of individuals(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017).Ideologically, this type of scan allows for mapping of the psychological functions of the body through an analysis of the radio-labeled drugs, neurotransmitters, metabolism, and blood flow. PET allows for quantitative analyses while ensuring that the relative changes taking place in a body are monitored as the body is being checked against a specific stimulus or as a disease continues to build up(Berger, 2003). It is important to note that PET scans always produce images relating to the changes of the body physiology before they can be detected by other forms of scans (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). Moreover, it should be understood that PET can be used concurrently with computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to produce finer and more detailed images related to body physiology alteration. This paper discusses why a PET scan is quintessential, how it is done, where it is applied, and safety