What does mildly hypermetabolic mean on a petscan?

Mildly hypermetabolic on a PET scan indicates that a particular area of tissue shows slightly increased metabolic activity compared to surrounding tissues. This can suggest various conditions, such as inflammation, infection, or early signs of malignancy. However, it is important to interpret these findings in conjunction with clinical history and other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause. Further evaluation may be necessary to clarify the significance of the hypermetabolic activity.