What is PET?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) creates a three dimensional metabolic view of the entire body measuring chemical changes that occur before visible signs of disease are present. Conventional imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT and MRI show anatomy unlike PET which shows the internal chemistry of the body. Chemical and metabolic changes in cancer occur long before anatomic or structural changes occur. Compounds normally existing in the body, like simple sugars, are labeled with radioactive tracers, which emit signals. The scanner records the signals that the tracer emits as it journeys through the body and as it collects in targeted organs.
PET is a safe method of imaging that can determine if a tumor is cancerous, the best location to biopsy, determine if a cancer has spread, and differentiate between radiation scar tissue from new tumor growth. Fewer diagnostic and fewer surgical procedures need to be done when PET is used in the diagnostic and surgical work up of patients with primary and recurrent carcinoma helping to reduce overall health care costs. Because of the earlier more accurate diagnosis doctors can immediately begin the most successful approach which will lead to better treatment and better outcomes.
PET can also assess the extent of heart damage to determine the candidates most suitable for coronary bypass and predict the success of the surgery. In Neurology, PET plays a vital non-invasive role to assess patients with refractory epilepsy and provides the earliest diagnosis of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Dementia.
If your doctor recommends a PET scan… Insist on a PET/CT scan.
All these benefits of PET are enhanced by concurrently acquiring a CT scan during the procedure. The CT’s usefulness in this process is two-fold; for the attenuation correction of the PET images, and for spatial localization of the PET data.
When the PET/CT is complete, our specially accredited Radiologists will look at the PET data on it own, the CT data on its own, and an actual Fusion of the PET data and the CT data! This process greatly enhances the localization of lesions relative to highly detailed anatomial images.
Without question PET/CT is the gold standard compared to PET imaging alone. Don’t settle for just a PET scan any longer.
You can now have a PET/CT scan right here in our Scranton office!
How do I prepare for my PET/CT?
Comfort - PET/CT scans are painless. There are no side effects.
Clothing - Dress comfortably and warm. The PET/CT scan room may be cool. Avoid clothing with metallic zippers or foil stitching and bras with hooks or underwires.
Exercise - Completely avoid all strenuous exercise the day of your PET/CT scan.
Prior Exams - You will need to bring a copy of your most recent CT or MRI exams with you on the day of your PET/CT scan. The copies can be on traditional film or DICOM CD-ROM. Please notify those imaging facilities of your needs well in advance. Some imaging facilities require at least 24 hours notice for obtaining film copies.
Diet - On the day before your exam; you may eat and drink normally. We ask that you add a total of 2 Liters of water to your fluid intake on that day. On the day of your exam; you must not eat or drink (NPO) for 6 hours before your appointment time. Small amounts of water are allowed for controlling thirst or for taking oral medication during the NPO period.
Medications - On the day of your exam; regularly scheduled medication may be taken if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach. If you need prescribed pain medication, please bring it with you. We ask that no Diuretics (Water pills) be taken until after the exam. As mentioned above, water is okay for taking oral medication.
Diabetes - Consult your physician regarding Diabetes medication. Inform the physician that you must be (NPO) for as close to 6 hours as possible and have a blood sugar level between 100-200 mg/dL for your PET/CT scan.
Procedure - Upon arriving at our facility, you will receive an injection of radioactive glucose (FDG), which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to distribute throughout your body. Once distributed, you will be asked to empty your bladder and then lie down on the scanner table. The PET/CT scan will last between 35 and 60 minutes. It is extremely important for you to lie still during the scan. You should plan to be at our facility for a total of 2 hours.
After Your PET/CT – You will be able to leave our facility once the scan is complete. The ability to drive an automobile is not affected by the FDG injection or the PET/CT scan. You may return to your normal diet, exercise and medication schedule immediately.
Your PET/CT Results – The PET/CT scans are interpreted by one of our Radiologists. Your images are available on traditional film or a DICOM CD-ROM approximately 1 hour after the exam is completed and the completed report is normally sent to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor can access our image and report servers via the Internet with proper authorization! Ask if they already participate in this service!
Questions? – Please do not hesitate to contact our office and discuss your concerns.
