When doctors can look at both the appearance (or structure) of the tumor, and also look at the biochemistry of the disease, they are able to make better decisions about what will be the most effective treatment. The information obtained from a PET scan combined with structural information gained from computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),allows for a more accurate detailed diagnosis.

Currently, PET is recognized as the only medical tool capable of accurately imaging and measuring the metabolic function of disease.

In cardiology, PET is an accurate noninvasive test which helps characterize coronary disease. It provides an accurate assessment of heart function and helps determine the need for transplant.

Brain disorders are also easily detectable with PET imaging. The scan can help identify the abnormality and help differentiate between AlzheimerÍs disease and other neurological diseases. A PET scan can pinpoint a brain tumor, help define whether it is benign or malignant, and after chemotherapy, determine to what extent cancer treatment has been effective.

Although annual mammograms continue to be the recommended screening exam for the early detection of breast cancer, PET can be used to help evaluate patients who are already known to have breast cancer. PET is helpful to determine if the cancer has spread to other sites in the body and is used to help monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

PET is also helpful to detect the spread of disease and monitor treatment in patients with lymphoma, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, melanoma and lung cancer.

How is a PET scan done?
PET imaging is performed on a GE Discovery PET CT system. Since we are trying to study glucose metabolism, the patient is asked to refrain from eating for 8-12 hours before the study. A small amount of glucose which is labeled with a radiotracer is injected into a vein. After the injection, the patient waits about an hour while their body metabolizes the glucose. Cancer cells metabolize glucose faster than many normal cells. This helps to highlight the disease sites. After the waiting period, the scan is performed. The machine looks much like a CT scanner. The patient lies on the table, the table moves and the images are captured. Exam time is approximately one hour. The images are then processed on a computer and reviewed in detail by radiologists.