PET scans have traditionally been used to screen for problems in the brain and heart. However, this same technology can be used for cervical cancer screening. In fact, it just might be the best method of screening available for detecting this female cancer.
"New research from the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University show that PET scans are more accurate than any other method at predicting the aggressiveness of a cervical cancer tumor. The device also effectively shows whether treatments had destroyed the cancer." (source)
There are many different scans that can be used for observing the body from the inside out. However, PET scans have been found to be the msot sensitive to providing quality information to doctors seeking to find, prevent and treat cancer. For patients at risk of cervical cancer, this new information could be a great step forward.
Question of the Day: What scans have you seen used for cervical cancer prevention?
