The increased metabolic rate of aggressive tumors is best detected with which of the following diagnostic imaging modalities?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) is the best diagnostic imaging modality for detecting the increased metabolic rate of aggressive tumors. PET utilizes radiotracers that are taken up by cells in proportion to their metabolic rate, and the resulting images can provide detailed information about the location and extent of tumors. Other imaging modalities, such as MRI and contrast-enhanced CT, may be useful for visualizing the anatomy of tumors, but are less sensitive to changes in metabolic activity. Single photon emission CT (SPECT) also uses radiotracers to assess metabolic activity, but is less commonly used for tumor imaging than PET.

The Increased Metabolic Rate of Aggressive Tumors Is Best Detected