The role of positron emission tomography for evaluation of lung nodules and staging lung cancer

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) and the clinical use of this imaging technology has developed rapidly during the last decade, especially in the field of lung cancer. This review includes a brief introduction to the technology; including limitations and pitfalls as well as practical considerations with regard to patient preparation and scan acquisition. Through a presentation of recent meta-analyses as well as clinical studies, the role of PET/CT in diagnosing and staging patients with non–small cell lung cancer will be described and discussed.