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The positron emission tomography (PET) allows the representation of functional processes, e.g. with the aid of PET, the extent to which a tumour is supplied with blood can be demonstrated. This can be shown by means of metabolising sugar (i.e. sugar is loaded with a mildly radioactive molecule the radiation of which is measured.  Tissue with a particularly active metabolism becomes visible. In contrast to less active cells, this tissue can be differentiated because radioactivity is more detectable in metabolically  active tissue. These areas are clearly visible on PET monitors and provide information on the location, size and activity of a tumour and/or tissue. Because of the application of radioactive substances, PET belongs to the medical speciality of nuclear medicine.

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