Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space
Published on: February 1, 2016
[Positron emission tomography for primary tumor detection in lymph node metastases with unknown primary tumor]
J H Schipper1, M Schrader, D Arweiler
1Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Essen.
Abstract:
In a prospective study 16 patients with cervical lymph node metastases from an occult tumor were analyzed by (18F)FDG positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to locate the primary tumor. In 7 patients a localized increase in activity was seen on PET, with this site of activity histologically proven in 4 patients. No biopsies were taken in 3 patients in areas with a high risk of complications. In a follow-up procedure at 2-22 months after primary radiation therapy in the other 9 patients, no primary tumor has been identified to date.
Related Concept Videos
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET

