Once rectal cancer has been diagnosed, treatment planning begins with staging.
A PET scan allows physicians to pinpoint the location and extent of the cancer and
precisely target radiation therapy for maximum efficiency in treatment.
In this set of images, the rectal cancer (outlined in red) is targeted for the highest dose of radiation,
while the surrounding tissue (outlined in green) receives a lower dose.
This spares healthy tissue and nearby organs, like the bladder.
