PET CT scans are crucial for several reasons: 1. Early Detection: PET CT can detect small lesions that might be missed by other imaging modalities. 2. Staging: It helps in determining the stage of cancer, which is vital for treatment planning. 3. Treatment Monitoring: PET CT scans can evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatments by showing changes in metabolic activity. 4. Recurrence Detection: It can identify if cancer has returned after treatment, often before symptoms appear.