PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography)
scans are both standard imaging tools that physicians use
to pinpoint disease in the body. PET scan demonstrates
the biological function of the body, while the CT scan provides
information about the anatomy’s size, shape and location. PET/CT
scan enables physicians to accurately diagnose and identify
cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.
Your PET scan will produce a picture of how your body’s
cells are functioning, whereas, an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI
produce a picture of bones, organs and tissues.
The PET/CT combines the two images. The PET image
reveals the functioning aspect of the body part being scanned,
while the CT image shows the anatomy. When combined
together they are able to provide the Radiologist with a
more complete picture of the area of interest. PET
studies are normally done to detect malignancy in the body
part examined.
A non-invasive test, PET scans accurately image the cellular
function of the human body. In a single PET scan your physician
can examine your entire body. PET scanning provides a more
complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose
problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment,
and track progress particularly in cancer.
A PET scan can be used in early diagnosis, assisting physicians
in determining the best method for treatment. A whole
body PET scan may detect whether cancer is isolated to one
specific area or has spread to other organs before a treatment
path is determined.
Tour PET scan will help you and your physician make a more
informed decision about your diagnosis and treatment path.
PET scans are completely painless with no side effects. You
will be instructed to dress comfortably. You may take
your regularly scheduled medications prior to arriving for
your scan, if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
Upon arriving to the PET scanner you will receive an injection
of radioactive glucose (FDG), which will take approximately
45 minutes to distribute throughout your body. You
will be asked to empty your bladder and then lie down on
the scanner bed. The scan takes approximately 30-60
minutes, depending upon the type of scan you are having. It
is important that you lie still during this process. Plan
to spend approximately two hours at the PET center.
After your PET scan is completed make sure to drink plenty
of water throughout the day to flush the FDG from your body.
The PET scan is interpreted by our board certified Nuclear
Medicine Radiologists and the results are usually sent to
the referring physician shortly thereafter.
Our board certified Radiologists are specially trained in
Nuclear Medicine to diagnose and interpret the images. At
KMC the PET/CT technologists are specially trained in the
theory and practice of PET/CT procedures and operate the
equipment used during the procedure. The technologists
are board certified and the Radiology department at KMC is
fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.
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