Scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT and PET)

Planar scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or SPECT/computed tomography (CT) still play an important role in oncology, particularly in the detection of skeletal metastases, in thyroid cancer, in neuroendocrine tumours, and for imaging of the lymphatic system involved in drainage of the tumour area. Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/CT has become an established modality in the management of many tumours. By far, the glucose analogue fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the most frequently used radiotracer, used mainly for staging and detection of recurrences. Because inflammatory processes may be associated with increased glucose utilisation, bioptic confirmation of PET-positive findings may be required. For less dedifferentiated tumours, non-FDG PET tracers are increasingly employed, such as for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.