PET

This is the newest cancer diagnosis method, still undergoing research and development. In this procedure, a radioactive substance is administered to the patient by injection. Cancer cells grow faster than other cells. They are active cells and absorb the administered radioactive substance earlier and faster than other cells.

This method allows the location of active cells (probable cancer cells) to be determined. These detected cells are then examined using various techniques to attempt a diagnosis.

In what situations is the PET scan used?

• To determine whether the cancer has spread to another part of the body (metastasis),
• To determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes,
• To determine the tumor's status after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

A PET scan is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound and is not a breast cancer screening method.