Patients who are believed to have trouble with lung cancer are often recommended for a series of imaging tests to confirm the presence and spread of the problem. Traditionally, the PET scan has not been one of those types of imaging tests. However, new guidelines put out by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network now recommend the PET scan as an important diagnostic tool in this area of disease prevention.
MRI scans and CT scans have traditionally been used for this type of preventive imaging. However it has been shown that the PET scan may be both more sensitive and more specific in detecting lung cancer. The use of the PET scan may also be linked with better survival rates for patients dealing with this disease.
There are certainly drawbacks to using the PET scan in comparison with the other types of preventive imaging technology available. For example, it isn't particularly good in the area of histology or study of the tissues. In cases where staging is changed because of a PET scan, a closer look at the histology may be in order. As a result, doctors may consider using a combination of the PET scan and other scan technology to get a complete picture of the treatment that is necessary.
Question of the Day: What benefit do you see the PET scan having in this area of medical research and treatment?
