Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
of East Texas
Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P.
Venkatesh Donty, M.D.
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Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P. |
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About
Our Practice
Patient
Information
Critical Care
Procedure Photos
Advanced Directives
BET
Program
What's New
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What is a PET scan?
A
PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography scan, is an
imaging technique that allows physicians to examine many organs of the body and
is helpful in diagnosing many diseases, such as cancer.
Other techniques, such as CT scan or MRI, only show organ structure,
where as PET shows organ structure and function.
PET
is able to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors since it shows how
the organ functions. PET can detect if a disease has moved from one part of the
body to another, which is not evident clinically or through routine imaging.
By uncovering abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected, PET
guides physicians to the most appropriate treatment. What’s involved in the procedure?
During a PET scan, a patient receives an injection of a small amount of
radioactive glucose (sugar) into their bloodstream.
There is no danger from this injection.
The radiation exposure associated with PET is similar to that of
conventional CT scanning. Next, the
patient will wait about an hour while the injection is distributed through their
body. Then the patient will lie on
a table, keeping their head still, that will slowly pass through the scanner.
The entire visit lasts about two to three hours.
The actual procedure is safe with no side effects, and lasts about
forty-five minutes. Typically, the
patient will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night
before their appointment. Why
are PET scans important when it comes to cancer? Ø Detects recurrent cancer early on. Ø
Detects
extremely small cancerous tumors, which means earlier diagnoses and treatment. Ø
Differentiates
between benign and malignant tumors. Ø
Accurate
in determining tumor stage. Ø
Differentiates
between operable and inoperable disease. Ø
Non-invasive
way of screening diseases. Ø
Replaces
multiple medical testing procedures with a single exam, producing imaging
information of superior quality. Ø
Can
reduce or eliminate ineffective and unnecessary treatment - and the associated
costs. What Types of Diseases Can a PET Scan Detect? The new
Medicare Policy covers the following six cancer groups and also covers two
non-cancer clinical conditions:
For
more information visit these websites:
www.ctipowersolutions.com
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