The use of a Pet Scan can improve the diagnosis and treatment of certain cancers. Tumor imaging is used quite often to diagnose esophageal cancer and kidney cancer and to make treatment decisions.

Esophageal Cancer

A new study released from Germany states that a Pet scan (positron emission tomography) accurately identifies positive metabolic responses to chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer and helps doctors to customize treatment.

In the United States, it is estimated that more than 14,000 people are expected to die from esophageal cancer this year, and more than 15,000 new cases will be diagnosed.

Kidney Cancer

A Pet scan can identify an aggressive form of kidney cancer and without requiring the patient to have a biopsy too.

Patients who have kidney tumors may now be able to have an imaging examination that will enable their doctor to establish whether the tumor is aggressive enough to require immediate surgery.

Pet scan imaging is being used more and more in cancer patients and is playing a significant role in staging patients, assessing treatment strategies, and monitoring treatment effects.

If you have a family history of cancer or are concerned that you may have cancer and would like to have a PET scan performed, you should discuss your options with your physician.

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