Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Print

Positron Emission Tomography in conjuction with CT is a molecular modality that images the metabolic activity of tissue. This scanner enables doctors to more accurately detect cancer and pinpoint its exact location. The highly sensitive PET scan picks up the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body, and the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths. A PET/CT scan merges anatomic and molecular data with the goal of producing one integrated diagnosis. Alone,each test has its limitations but when fused together they provide the most complete information on cancer location and metabolism. While a natural outcome of looking at corresponding PET and CT images is to mentally fuse them, the Biograph Duo LSO allows the precise fusion of PET data (showing the extent of metabolic uptake caused by cancer) with the precise anatomical CT information. The ability to line up anatomic and metabolic images accurately translates in a more precise differentiation between malignancies and normal regions of uptake and allows a more accurate radiation therapy target. PET/CT also improves diagnostic accuracy of unexpected malignancies.

PET/CT for diagnosing, staging and restaging specific types of cancer including head and neck, esophageal, thyroid, lung, breast, lymphoma, melanoma, cervical and colon. PET/CT has also been authorized for use in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and certain types of dementia.

The exam itself is relatively easy for the patient. The patient receives an injection in a vein in the arm followed by 45 minutes to 1 hour of relaxation in a quiet room. A PET/CT scanner looks very similar to a CT scanner. Patients are placed on a padded table that moves through the gantry while acquiring both sets of images in about 30 minutes. Less time on the table means faster results and greater patient comfort. There are no side effects from the injection and radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. Normal activities may be resumed upon completion of the test.