PET Scan for Brain Tumors

ABSTRACT

-The use of neuroimaging techniques for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring in brain tumors has advanced significantly. Currently, there are multiple options other than computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging that can add important information for better patient care. One such option is positron emission tomography (PET), which detects positron emission tracers and then, using a computer, reconstructs transaxial images of the subject organ. Several applications for the PET scanner have been developed for the brain, the most frequently used addressing intracranial neoplasms.

When correlated with other imaging techniques, PET scanning can provide information about the presumptive histologic diagnosis, degree of malignancy, response to treatment, recurrence, and differentiation between recurrence and radionecrosis, all with low risk to the patient. As this technique is being implemented in an increasing number of medical centers, the use of PET scanning is becoming a more important tool in the management of patients with brain tumors.

KEYWORD

Positron emission tomography - brain tumor - radiation necrosis