A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan can detect changes in how the cells in your body function, such as how your cells are using nutrients like sugar and oxygen. PET allows your physician to make an earlier and more precise diagnosis since changes in cell function take place before physical changes can be seen on an MR (Magnetic Resonance) or CT (Computed Tomography) scan. As a result, PET scanning can detect abnormalities sooner.

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan uses a combination of x-rays and computers to give your radiologist an easy way to see inside your body. CT can quickly acquire two-dimensional pictures, and then using a computer, the radiologist can convert these 2-D images into 3-D images for an in-depth evaluation.

When these two scans are electronically fused together to create a single picture, the radiologist gets the functional information from the PET with the anatomical information from the CT. In other words, when these two scans are put together, the radiologist can see how cells in your body are working and precisely where those cells are located. Basically, PET/CT is the perfect combination because it allows the radiologist to integrate how your body is working with how it looks.

Your PET/CT exam results may diagnose a potential health problem - and, should a problem be detected, the results of your exam will allow your physician to develop a treatment plan. A PET/CT exam not only helps your physician diagnose a problem, it also helps predict during a course of treatment how successful that treatment will be.

If you are already undergoing treatment, studies have shown that a PET/CT will result in a doctor changing the treatment plan approximately 35% of the time. A PET/CT guides your doctor to the best treatment and is the best way to monitor your progress. If you're not responding as well as expected, your physician can switch you to a more effective therapy immediately.

For more information on PET/CT, please click here to view our brochure.

Please click here for directions on how to prepare for this procedure.

Please see our brochure for more information regarding PET/CT.