PET Scan
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is the latest and most advanced diagnostic technology. It is used primarily to detect cancer and Alzheimer's disease, to localize the origin of epileptic seizures and to locate functional heart tissue prior to cardiac surgery. This service is now available in an outpatient setting. PET evaluates disease processes - not just anatomy. The procedure shows uptake of a tracer into living tissue and differentiates normal areas from those affected by disease.
Common applications of PET:
- Neurology (brain) - Helps to localize the area causing epileptic seizures, as well as find the best surgical site, and assists in diagnosis of complex dementia disorders, including Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer detection - Provides information regarding the following: whether a tumor is malignant or benign; the extent of the cancer; tumor recurrence; and evaluation of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Alzheimer's disease - Can detect whether the patient is developing an ailment that causes memory loss and/or
mental deterioration - Cardiac disease - Determines potential for heart muscle recovery following coronary artery surgery; can also evaluate the amount of viable heart tissue prior to considering a heart transplant
PET can also diagnose the following conditions:
- Solitary pulmonary nodules
- Non-small-cell lung cancer
- Malignant melanoma
- Colon cancer
- Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Head and neck tumors
- Other specific uses in oncology, cardiology and neurology
The Benefits of PET:
- Early indication of the extent of the disease
- A significant advance in detection of lung cancer - far more accurate that CT studies alone
- Helps differentiate between post-radiation scarring and recurring disease
- Improved monitoring of cancer recurrences
- Effective evaluation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Safe, noninvasive and painless procedure
- Interpreted by radiologists at each center
- Complements CT and MRI studies
- Medicare-approved for a number of diagnoses
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I prepare for the scan?
Four hours prior to your scan, you should drink only water and you should not eat. Also refrain from exercising
24 hours prior to
your scan.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
On the day of your exam, you should bring your CT and/or MRI scans with you.
How long does the scan take?
It depends on the type of PET scan your physician orders. In general, allow two hours for the entire visit.
What happens when I arrive for the scan?
Upon arrival for your appointment, you will complete a brief questionnaire about your medical history. A technologist then will escort you to the imaging area and explain the procedure. The technologist will administer a small amount of radioactive sugar (FDG) that is necessary for detecting abnormalities. Following the injection, you will rest in a private room while the sugar distributes throughout your body. The scanning procedure is performed while you lie comfortably on the scanner bed.
Will someone have to drive me home?
Unless you receive medication, you will not feel any different than you did before the scan.
What if I'm claustrophobic?
Please ask your physician to advise you. You are allowed to have someone accompany you for most of the scan.
What will happen after the scan?
It is important that you drink water throughout the rest of the day and empty your bladder as often as possible.
This will help clear
your body of the radioactive material. You can drive and resume normal activities immediately
after your scan, unless you have received sedation.
When will the results be ready?
As soon as our radiologists interpret your scan, the results will be sent to your physician.
Will my insurance cover PET?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover PET procedures. Some insurance plans limit their coverage to specific clinical indications. Our staff will answer your questions about coverage and billing arrangements.