What type of scan is used to image metabolically active tissue in cancer?

A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is specifically designed to detect metabolically active tissues, making it particularly effective for imaging cancer. This type of scan uses small amounts of radioactive material and advanced computer algorithms to highlight areas of the body that have higher levels of metabolic activity, which is often a characteristic of cancerous cells.

In contrast, while CT scans and MRI scans are also valuable imaging techniques, they primarily focus on structural changes in tissues rather than metabolic processes. CT scans provide detailed images of the body's internal structures using X-rays, and MRI scans utilize magnetic fields to generate images, emphasizing the anatomy rather than metabolic activity. Ultrasound scans use sound waves to visualize soft tissues but also do not typically assess metabolic function. Therefore, for detecting cancer by visualizing areas of increased metabolism, a PET scan is the most appropriate and effective choice.