In the context of cancer, V/Q scans are particularly valuable for several reasons:
1. Detection of Pulmonary Embolism: Cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) due to hypercoagulable states induced by malignancy or chemotherapy. V/Q scans are effective in diagnosing PE, which can be life-threatening if untreated. 2. Preoperative Assessment: For patients with lung cancer, V/Q scans can help determine the functional capacity of different lung regions, guiding surgical planning and the feasibility of resecting part of the lung. 3. Radiation Therapy Planning: Accurate assessment of lung function is essential for planning radiation therapy in lung cancer patients. V/Q scans help in optimizing the radiation dose to minimize damage to healthy lung tissue.
