PET/CT and Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

PET/CT is an effective procedure used in helping confirm a diagnosis or in planning treatments for this form of cancer. The CT scan will show the structure of the organs and tissues in the head and neck area (as well as others studied) and the PET scans from the PET/CT scanner will be able to detect whether or not the cancer has spread into other areas and where the cancer is alive and thriving.

PET imaging is able to detect cancerous cells, as it is a metabolic imaging tool. With PET scans, the chemical function of the colon and rectum or other targeted organs or tissues are examined. PET images are able to visualize biochemical changes caused by disease.

Combining the anatomical location from the CT scan with the biochemical changes of the PET scan can provide an excellent tool in detecting colorectal cancer.

PET/CT can also be used to check for recurring cancers or to determine if all the cancer cells were removed if surgery was required.