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Can A PET Scan Be Used To Detect Cancerous Tissues?
Question: I read on line that tissue that lights up with a PET SCAN doesn't always mean cancer, there could be other causes, is that so. If so what else could it be?
Brief Answer:
Infection is a major cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
PET scan checks the activity of tissue and not specifically cancer. So if a tissue is more active than usual, it can light up on PET scan.
This can happen in infection, inflammation (like arthritis), reparative process after injury or surgery. Hence PET findings should be corroborated by biopsy or appropriate follow up.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Infection is a major cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
PET scan checks the activity of tissue and not specifically cancer. So if a tissue is more active than usual, it can light up on PET scan.
This can happen in infection, inflammation (like arthritis), reparative process after injury or surgery. Hence PET findings should be corroborated by biopsy or appropriate follow up.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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