PET / CT Imaging

PET/CT


More than 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2008.  There will be 36,980 new cases of cancer in Georgia alone.  PET/CT imaging is the gold-standard for diagnosing and treatment planning of cancer.  PET/CT scans provide complete information regarding location, size, nature and extent of cancer – anywhere in the body.

 

Northside began using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) in 2001 and has been utilizing PET/CT technology since 2003.   PET/CT detects sites of cancer not seen by other imaging modalities, differentiating scar tissue from tumor and benign from malignant lesions.  It also produces images showing metabolism or biochemical changes.

 

“The detailed information that a PET scan provides substantially increases the confidence that cancer diagnoses are correct and complete,” says James Weinstein, M.D., radiologist on staff at Northside Hospital.

 

Through use of X-rays, CT (computerized tomography) produces an accurate anatomical image of the body – a ‘slice’ of an organ or particular area.  Together, PET and CT reveal a complete picture – providing both anatomic and metabolic information at one time, in stunning detail, to help physicians diagnose and localize cancer.

 

Before having a PET/CT scan, the patient receives a dose of a radiopharmaceutical tracer, which contains a sugar that accumulates in cancerous cells.  During the scan, the tracer is detected by the system, creating an image of the patient and highlighting any abnormal physiology.  This image helps physicians determine if disease is present, the location and extent of the disease and how rapidly it is spreading.

 

For more information about PET/CT or to find a physician who can order the procedure, please contact Northside Hospital Physician Referral Services at (404) 851-8817.

 

Length of procedure:

 

The actual PET/CT Scan will take 25 minutes.  However, the entire procedure including registration, preparation for the scan, injection of the tracer, will take approximately

2 to 3 hours.

 

Preparation prior to procedure:

  1. Do not eat any food or drink anything other than water for 4 hours prior to the exam.  Patients may have water to drink on the day of the exam.
  2. Continue to take any routine medicines as prescribed.
  3. Do not have any caffeine products for 12 hours prior to the procedure.
  4. Please arrive in the Admissions (Patient Access) office 1 hour prior to your scheduled appointment time to allow for registration and assessment.
  5. No strenuous activity for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
  6. Wear warm, loose fitting clothing with no metal buttons or zippers.  Hospital gowns are available if preferred.
  7. The procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours from the time of arrival to departure.
  8. If you have previous MRI or CT exams that were not performed at Northside Hospital, please bring a copy of the images (CDs are preferred, but hard-copy images are also accepted) so that they can be compared to the PET/CT.

Post exam instructions:

 No special instructions.