What is a PET scan and why do doctors use it?

A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive sugar to show how organs and tissues are functioning in the body. Doctors often use PET scans in bladder cancer care to help detect cancer cells, determine if cancer has spread, and monitor how well treatment is working since cancer cells typically use more sugar than normal cells. This information can be really valuable for creating the best treatment plan - feel free to ask your medical team any specific questions about why they're recommending this test for your situation.