What does increased uptake mean on a pet scan?

Increased uptake on a PET scan refers to a higher-than-normal absorption of the radioactive tracer used during the imaging procedure, often indicating heightened metabolic activity in a specific area of the body. This can be associated with various conditions, including inflammation, infection, or cancer, as malignant cells typically exhibit greater metabolic rates compared to normal cells. Clinicians interpret these areas of increased uptake to help diagnose and monitor diseases. However, further evaluation is often necessary to determine the underlying cause.