18F-FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose)

18F-FDG, or fluorodeoxyglucose, is a radioactive substance used in medical imaging, particularly in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. It is a modified form of glucose, which is a primary energy source for cells. Cancer cells often consume glucose more rapidly than normal cells, so 18F-FDG helps doctors visualize areas of increased metabolic activity in the body. By injecting this substance and scanning with a PET machine, physicians can detect tumors, assess their size, and evaluate how well treatments are working, making it a valuable tool in cancer diagnosis and management.