What does hypermetabolic mean in regards to a node on a PET scan?

Hypermetabolic refers to an area that shows increased metabolic activity on a PET scan, typically indicated by higher uptake of the radioactive tracer used in the imaging. In the context of a lymph node, this can suggest the presence of conditions such as infection, inflammation, or malignancy, as cancerous tissues often exhibit elevated metabolic rates. Therefore, a hypermetabolic node may warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause.