Radiology Practice Test

In which clinical situations is a PET scan most beneficial?

1. Detecting fractures and sprains

2. Evaluating treatment response and detecting cancer

3. Screening for cardiovascular diseases

4. Assessing lung function

The correct answer is: Evaluating treatment response and detecting cancer

A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is particularly beneficial in evaluating treatment response and detecting cancer due to its ability to visualize metabolic activity in tissues. Cancer cells typically exhibit increased metabolic activity compared to normal cells, making them more distinguishable on a PET scan. This characteristic allows for the early detection of malignancies, monitoring of tumor responses to therapies, and assessment of recurrence. In clinical practice, PET scans are often combined with CT or MRI scans to provide detailed anatomical images alongside functional data. This combination enhances the understanding of a tumor’s biological behavior and can greatly influence treatment decisions. While other imaging modalities serve well for assessing fractures, sprains, cardiovascular diseases, and lung function, they do not provide the same level of information regarding the metabolic processes involved in cancerous activities, thereby making PET scans specifically invaluable in oncology.