Final answer:
FDG PET involves the use of Fluorodeoxyglucose, a radioactive glucose analog, to detect cancer and other diseases with abnormal glucose metabolism via the emitted gamma radiation from Fluorine-18.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose manipulation for Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) involves the administration of FDG, a radioactive glucose analog. Cancer cells consume glucose at a higher rate than normal cells, making FDG a valuable tracer for identifying cancerous tissues during PET scans. FDG is tagged with the radioisotope Fluorine-18, which emits positrons that annihilate with electrons to produce gamma radiation. This radiation is detected by the PET scanner to create a detailed image of the body's metabolic activity. During a PET scan, after FDG injection, radiologists can observe areas of high glucose uptake, which often correlates with high metabolic rates observed in cancerous tissues. The images produced by a PET scan are not merely structural but importantly functional, helping to diagnose and monitor various conditions including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. This technology is essential for revealing the functional state of tissues, rather than just their anatomy as seen with X-rays or MRI.