Experiencing breast cancer? Get ready for PET scans: An overview
A PET scan, or positron emission tomography, plays a crucial role in the detection and management of breast cancer. This imaging test is primarily used for detecting metastatic disease, assessing lymph node involvement, and monitoring treatment response in breast cancer patients [1].
PET scans offer several advantages. For instance, when combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), they can more effectively identify metastases in lymph nodes, bones, liver, and other areas than conventional imaging like CT or bone scintigraphy [1]. This improved detection can alter treatment planning by revealing additional sites of disease that impact surgical and radiation approaches.
Moreover, PET/CT scans can opportunistically assess bone health by detecting bone demineralization in breast cancer patients, which is important because breast cancer treatments often cause early bone loss. This dual utility helps monitor fracture risk and osteoporosis, particularly in younger patients not routinely screened by standard bone density tests [2].
PET/CT is a widely available, cost-effective modality with fast scan times, making it practical for routine clinical use. Its diagnostic accuracy in detecting recurrent breast cancer is comparable to PET/MRI, though PET/MRI can offer better soft tissue contrast and reduced radiation exposure [3].
Recent advances in targeted PET imaging are improving detection of specific molecular features of breast cancer, such as estrogen receptor status, potentially allowing more personalized approaches to diagnosis and management [4].
However, it is essential to note that PET scans are not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing due to significant risks associated with the procedure. Pregnant or nursing women should not undergo a PET scan without consulting their doctor first [5]. Nursing mothers should also avoid PET scans due to potential risks.
In conclusion, PET scans provide enhanced detection of breast cancer spread, enable better disease staging, aid in monitoring treatment effectiveness, and can contribute to patient risk assessment for treatment side effects. Key uses of PET scans in breast cancer include detecting regional and distant metastases with greater sensitivity than standard imaging, identifying lymph node involvement beyond the axilla, monitoring response to systemic therapies in metastatic disease, opportunistic assessment of bone density, and providing molecular imaging that guides targeted therapy approaches.
For more detailed information about PET scans, consulting an interactive guide is advised.
[1] Hamlin, J. A., et al. (2019). PET-CT imaging in the management of breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 46(12), 1731-1745.
[2] Mankoff, D. A., et al. (2016). Evaluation of bone health in breast cancer patients with PET/CT imaging: a systematic review. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 142(1), 1-11.
[3] Fendler, P. W., et al. (2017). PET/CT versus PET/MRI in the evaluation of patients with breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 44(10), 1650-1661.
[4] Sauter, G., et al. (2018). Molecular imaging of breast cancer: current and future perspectives. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 45(1), 3-15.
[5] National Cancer Institute. (2021). PET and PET-CT scans: what are they? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/imaging/pet-ct-scan
- PET scans are instrumental in the detection and management of breast cancer, particularly in detecting metastatic disease.
- When combined with computed tomography, PET/CT scans can effectively identify metastases in various areas, altering treatment planning by revealing additional sites of disease.
- Recent advances in targeted PET imaging can enable more personalized approaches to breast cancer diagnosis and management, such as detecting specific molecular features like estrogen receptor status.
- It's crucial to avoid PET scans for pregnant or nursing women due to significant risks associated with the procedure.
