positron emission tomography scan

Definition / meaning of positron emission tomography scan

A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called PET scan.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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