Imaging Center
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

What is PET?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging technique that examines the biological origins of disease so that illness may be diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage and more effectively. PET allows physicians to visualize the patient's whole body with just one scan. This scan is able to identify areas with increased activity (such as cancer cells). Conventional X-rays or CT scans may detect the same areas of activity, but only after they have become larger and at a later stage.

Whole body PET imaging identifies abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected and guides physicians to the most appropriate treatment for the disease to which it is applied. For example, PET can detect tumors unseen by other imaging techniques or detect Alzheimer's disease one to two years before the diagnosis would be made clinically.

PET is safe, and replaces multiple medical testing procedures with a single exam by showing all the systems of the body with one image. It can effectively pinpoint the source of many of the most common cancers, heart and neurological diseases, eliminating the need for redundant tests and diagnostic surgical procedures.  PET is a powerful, proven diagnostic imaging modality that significantly reduces multiple medical costs and avoids needless pain to the patient.

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Imaging Center
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