FDG PET is an imaging test that shows how tissues use glucose (sugar). It uses a small amount of a radioactive glucose-like tracer called FDG. FDG PET is commonly used in cancer care to look for active tumor sites in the body. It is often performed as part of a combined scan such as PET/CT or PET/MRI.

PET-CT is an imaging test that combines two scans in one session. It shows both body structures (CT) and tissue activity (PET). In oncology, it is commonly used to help find cancer, map its extent, and assess response to treatment. It is also used in some non-cancer conditions, but cancer care is one of its most frequent applications.

Neck dissection is an operation to remove lymph nodes from the neck. It is most commonly used in head and neck cancers to check for or treat cancer spread. It can also help determine cancer stage and guide follow-up treatment. The tissue removed is examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

Axillary dissection is a surgery to remove lymph nodes from the armpit area (the axilla). It is most commonly used in breast cancer care to assess or treat cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes. It may also be used in selected cases of melanoma or other cancers that drain to axillary nodes. The information from removed nodes helps guide staging and treatment planning.

Lymph node dissection is surgery to remove lymph nodes from a specific area of the body. It is commonly used in cancer care to check whether cancer has spread and to help plan treatment. It may also be used to control cancer in lymph nodes or to relieve symptoms in select cases. The removed nodes are examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

SLNB stands for sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is a surgical procedure used to check whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It focuses on the “sentinel” node(s), meaning the first lymph node(s) most likely to receive cancer cells from a tumor. It is commonly used in cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma, and in selected other solid tumors.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical test used to check whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It focuses on the “sentinel” lymph node, meaning the first node (or small group of nodes) that drains fluid from a tumor area. It is most commonly used in breast cancer and melanoma, and may be used in other solid tumors in selected cases. The goal is to stage cancer accurately while avoiding removal of many lymph nodes when it may not be necessary.

Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure used to look inside the mediastinum, the central area of the chest between the lungs. It is most often used to sample (biopsy) lymph nodes to diagnose or stage cancer. It is commonly part of lung cancer evaluation and can also help assess other mediastinal diseases.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera to look inside the abdomen or pelvis. It is performed through small incisions rather than a large open cut. In oncology, it is commonly used to diagnose, stage, or treat certain cancers. It is also used to manage symptoms and support recovery when appropriate.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that lets a clinician look inside the uterus using a thin camera called a hysteroscope. It is commonly used to evaluate abnormal bleeding and findings seen on ultrasound. In cancer care, it can help assess the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and guide targeted tissue sampling. It may be done in an office setting or in an operating room, depending on the goals and complexity.