Frequently Asked Questions - PET/CT
| · | How is PET/CT different from just PET or CT? |
| · | PET/CT combines two state-of-the-art technologies. PET (positron emission tomography) identifies metabolic changes in the body's cells, so it can determine if an area is cancerous. However, PET does a poor job of locating the cancer cells in the body. CT (computed tomography) solves the problem. It identifies the body's structure, so it tells doctors the precise location of the cancer. The PET/CT thus can detect cancer in its very early stages, when it is most treatable. The equipment also combines the two images, which is invaluable for doctors. |
| · | Why is PET/CT performed? |
PET/CT is proven to be effective in the diagnosis and treatment of:
| · | Lung cancer |
| · | Lymphoma |
| · | Melanoma |
| · | Colorectal Carcinoma |
| · | Breast Cancer |
| · | Esophageal Cancer |
| · | Brain Imaging/Alzheimer's Disease |
| · | Myocardial Viability |
| · | Head and Neck Cancer |
| · | Thyroid Cancer |
| · | Cervical |
| · | How long will a PET/CT scan take? |
| · |
You will receive an injection of a radioactive "tracer drug," which takes about
45 minutes for the body to absorb. The tracer mimics the way glucose is used in
the body. This is important, because most types of cancer cells absorb glucose much
faster than do normal cells. Therefore, those that absorb more of the glucose-like
substance are likely to be cancerous. After the tracer is absorbed, the patient lies on a table, which moves through a gantry, or small tunnel. The gantry, which contains a CT scanner and a nuclear medicine camera, spins around the table, capturing high-speed images, including those produced by the tracer's emissions. A full-body scan takes about 30 minutes, approximately half the time of a traditional PET and CT scan. That can make a big difference in comfort and convenience, especially to seriously ill patients. |
| · | Why Are Oral And Intravenous Contrast Used In PET/CT? |
| · | Oral contrast is used to image the stomach and intestines. It is a very dilute, flavored barium solution that you drink approximately 1 hour prior to an examination. |
| · | Intravenous contrast is sometimes referred to as "dye". Although colorless, it contains iodine, which makes specific organs, blood vessels, and tissues visible on x-rays for better detection of disease or injury. It is not radioactive. We only use "non-ionic" contrast, which is formulated to minimize any risk of an allergic reaction. The risks and benefits of contrast will be explained to you when you arrive for your examination. Occasionally, mild allergic reactions may occur such as hives, rash or itching. In rare instances a patient may have a more severe allergic reaction, which might include difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or loss of consciousness. Our staff is fully trained and experienced to manage any potential adverse reaction. |
| · | Patients will be asked, and should notify our staff, if they have a history of allergy to IV contrast or iodine injections, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, severe heart disease, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease or are if they are taking glucophage. |
| · | Do I Need A Referral (Prescription) To Have My PET/CT Examination? |
| · | Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO's require a precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test. |