Specifically, how is PET/CT used for the indications below?
I. Oncology In general, in Oncology, PET/CT is useful because it has high sensitivity for visualization of most cancers and can usually detect malignancies as small as 5mm or less. In addition, PET/CT is most often used in a total body scan mode so that distant metastases are detected routinely. Specifics for various techniques are as follows: Solitary Pulmonary Nodules: • Used to distinguish benign nodules from malignant ones. Lung Cancer: • It is the best method for staging non-small cell carcinoma • Useful for following the efficacy of therapy • High sensitivity for the detection of recurrence and for the detection of distant metastases Colorectal Carcinoma: • Best method for the detection of recurrence • Can distinguish between recurrence and post surgical scan when abnormal mass is seen on CT • Most accurate for staging • Most sensitive technique for the detection of distant metastases. Lymphoma: • Best for staging • Best method for evaluating efficacy of therapy • Best method for
