Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Note: Currently PET is available only at our Melrose Park location.
About PET
Imagine the ability to further enhance the
accuracy and speed of a patient's diagnosis and recovery without
invasive tests or surgical procedures? This is possible with a PET
scan. PET is the leading diagnostic modality for early detection of
a wide variety of tumors, cardiovascular diseases and neurological
diseases. The medical industry has made great strides in the
technological advancement of PET scan. PET has proved particularly
effective in the following areas:
Oncology
- Early Detection: ability to detect small
areas of cancerous activity to differentiate a tumor as benign
or malignant
- Staging of Cancer: determine the full
progression/regression of the disease
- Checking for recurrence: accurately
detail tumor activity and differentiate cancer from other
non-cancerous tissue.
Cardiovascular
- Locate areas of decreased blood flow and
differentiate healthy areas of the heart muscle from that which
shows signs of damage.
Neurological Disease
- Significant advancements in diagnosing
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and other
neurological conditions.
For many physicians, PET is quickly becoming
the leading diagnostic modality of choice in the areas of Oncology,
Neurology and Cardiology. Now there is free standing location
offering convenience and comfort in the Chicagoland area.
When the results of a PET scan and High Field
Open MRI scan are fused, a full three-dimensional physiological and
anatomical view can be obtained. This allows the physicians to make
quick informed decisions that will in turn enhance the life of their
patient.
| Oncology |
Neurology |
Cardiology |
- Brain Tumor
- Colorectal Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Thyroid Cancer
- Musculoskeletal Tumor
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
|
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Alzheimer
|
- Myocardial Viability
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Preoperative Prognostic Assessment
|
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FAQ
Q: What is PET?
A: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a
diagnostic method used mostly to detect and to determine the stage
of cancers, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease.
Studies show that PET offers earlier detection and greater accuracy
than other forms of testing such as X-ray, CT or MRI.
Q: How does PET compare to X-ray, CT or MRI?
A: Other diagnostic tests, like X-ray, CT and MRI
provide details of the structure of the human body. PET, on
the other hand provides information about the cells in the human
body. Because PET can detect changes at the cellular level, it will
often locate any changes in the body before there is a structural
change large enough to be detected by other tests.
Q: How does PET work?
A: When you arrive for your test, you will be
asked for a detailed medical history including any history of cancer
and the types of treatment obtained. You will then be given an
injection of a liquid material called FDG. FDG is really a small
amount of glucose (sugar) attached to a radioactive tracer. The
amount of radioactivity is very small and passes through your system
in 24-hours. Because the PET machine is so sensitive, this small
amount of radioactive material can be easily detected.
After the injection, you will relax for about 45 minutes while the
FDG travels throughout the body. All cells use glucose, but some
cells, including cancer cells, use more of it than others which is
why they are highly detectable. You will then be positioned
comfortably on the table and the test will begin. There are no side
effects associated with this test.
Q: Are there any special pre-test requirements or instructions?
A:
- Please inform us if you think you may be
pregnant, nursing or if you are diabetic
- You should not eat anything 6
hours prior to your appointment
- Only plain water is allowed during the 6
hours before your exam
- Continue any medication unless advised
otherwise by your physician
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing
- Bring prior PET & CT Scan films and
reports (if previously done) at the time of appointment
- It is ok to drive to and from your
appointment
- Your appointment will last for
approximately 2 hours
- There are no side effects. You can
continue with your daily routine after the procedure
- It may be a good idea to bring a snack
that you can have immediately following the exam
Q: What is revealed by the PET scan?
A: A PET scan will show metabolic cell function
rather than anatomy or structure. Cancerous cells will consume more
FDG than normal cells and will be displayed prominently. Diseased
heart muscle will not absorb glucose as quickly as normal heart
muscle. This will provide information not just about the heart
muscles, but also about the arteries that feed them. All living
cells utilize glucose (sugar) to function. However, tumors or
cancerous cells use much more glucose than normal cells and will be
revealed in greater detail.
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