Other Cancers

Cancer can invade virtually all parts of the human body. Since the abnormal cancer cells divide without control, they invade and destroy the tissue around them, disrupting the body's function. Then, in a process called metastasis, cancer cells can break away from the organs on which they are growing and travel to other parts of the body, where they continue to grow.

When cancer is found, PET Scanning can help.

PET can detect the initial (or primary) cancer and the cancer spread (metastasis) for a number of other types of cancers, including those that affect:

• Ovaries
• Cervix
• Esophagus
• The head and neck, including throat, thyroid, salivary gland, sinus and nasal, larnyx, and lymph
• Kidneys and bladder

PET can effectively pinpoint growing, active groups of cancer cells. This is possible because cancer cells divide rapidly and therefore absorb the radioactive glucose (sugar) that is injected in the patient prior to the exam. The areas of high glucose uptake can be clearly seen in the scan images.

Call the PET centers nearest you for information about PET scans!

How PET works:
Cancer cells begin growing at a much faster rate, feeding on sugars like glucose. PET works by using a small amount of a radioactive drug called a tracer in combination with a compound such as glucose. Once you are injected with the tracer and glucose, the tracer travels through your body. It emits signals as it travels and eventually collects in the organs targeted for examination. If an area in an organ is cancerous, the signals will be stronger since more glucose will be absorbed there.

Until more advanced therapeutic approaches are found, early detection of the primary cancer and metastasis is the key that leads to successful treatment. PET can help your doctor find out where the cancer is, so that he/she can determine the best treatment for you.

Call the PET centers nearest you if you have questions and would like to discuss whether PET might be useful in your care.