Diagnostic Imaging
Basics
The highly sensitive Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body. The Computerized Tomography (CT) scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths. When the results of PET and CT scans are fused together, the combined image provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism.
How It Works
Anatomical: CT scanners send x-rays through the body, which are then measured by detectors in the CT scanner. A computer algorithm then processes those measurements to produce pictures of the body’s internal structures.
Metabolic: PET images begin with an injection of FDG, an analog of glucose that is tagged to the radionuclide F18. Metabollically active organs or tumors consume sugar at high rates, and as the tagged sugar starts to decay, it emits positrons. These positrons then collide with electrons, giving off gamma rays, and a computer converts the gamma rays into images. These images indicate metabolic hot spots, often indicating rapidly growing tumors (because cancerous cells generally consume more sugar/energy than other organs or tumors.)
The Examination
The entire examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. It permits accurate tumor detection and localization for a variety of cancers including:
- Breast
- Esophageal
- Cervical
- Melanoma
- Lymphoma
- Lung
- Colorectal
- Head and Neck
- Ovarian
Safety
The scanner room and uptake rooms are all lead lined. The quantity of radiation is low, FDG degrades quickly, no detectable radioactivity is present after several hours. The remaining FDG is eliminated from the body through urine.
Comprehensive Care
Pacific Oncology has an experienced and qualified staff of over 125 people to support every aspect of your medical care.