WHAT IS PET? PET Positron Emission Tomography is a powerful diagnostic tool that, in many cases, renders answers that no other imaging tests can provide. This noninvasive procedure helps physicians in their diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. Biochemical changes are detected by a PET scan after a compound that contains radioactive molecules, bound to a sugar-like substance, is injected into the body. These molecules provide the tracers that allow the measurement of metabolic activity within the body. A computer records this information and converts it into pictures for diagnostic purposes. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PET FOR PATIENTS? - Detailed diagnostic information, not available from other tests like CT, MR - Shorter time for definitive diagnosis - Earlier detection of disease with fewer invasive diagnostic procedures - Precise staging of the disease and better monitoring of cancer recurrences - More effective tracking of the results of chemotherapy - May avoid some surgical intervention - Can contribute to lowering the overall cost of care