Abstract
Morphological diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have undergone rapid development of hardware and imaging technique. However, these imaging modalities have some limitations in determining whether lymph node swelling is malignant or benign. It is difficult for the radiologist and physician to differentiate malignant lesion from benign lesion based solely on lymph node size.
Mass media has sensationalized the efficacy of positron emission tomography (PET) scan. PET scans have now become a well-known medical examination among the general public. The ministry of health, labor and welfare approved F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as a commercially available isotope in 2005 and PET centers have rapidly spread in Japan. PET scan is considered a breakthrough in cancer detection, as a functional diagnostic tool.
This article discusses simple methods and isotopes for PET scan and the diseases for which FDG-PET scan is covered by the medical insurance system. The preparation and workflow of FDG-PET examination are also discussed. Finally, I describe the usefulness of FDG-PET scan using an illustrative case presentation.
