What technique is used in imaging to detect metabolic activity in the body?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used in medical imaging that allows for the detection of metabolic activity within the body. This method utilizes a radioactive tracer that emits positrons, which interact with electrons in the body, resulting in the emission of gamma rays. These emissions are then detected by the PET scanner to create detailed images of processes occurring within tissues, thereby highlighting areas of increased metabolic activity, such as cancerous tumors or regions of the brain that may be hyperactive or underactive.

The distinguishing feature of PET scans lies in their ability to provide dynamic information about how tissues and organs function—key aspects of metabolic activity—rather than just their structure, which is the focus of other imaging technologies. This makes PET particularly valuable in oncology for diagnosing and monitoring cancer therapies.