| PET/CT Services
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PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT
(Computed Tomography) are both standard imaging
tools that physicians use to pinpoint disease
states in the body before making treatment
recommendations. The highly sensitive PET scan
detects the metabolic signal of actively growing
cancer cells in the body, and the CT scan provides
a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that
reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal
cancerous growths. Alone, each imaging test has
particular benefits and limitations, but when the
results of PET and CT scans are "fused" together,
the combined image provides complete information
on cancer location and metabolism. PET/CT also
allows the physician to more accurately diagnose
and identify cancer and brain disorders. |
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In one continuous full-body scan (usually about 40 minutes), PET captures images of miniscule changes in the body's metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells. Simultaneously, CT images allow physicians to pinpoint the exact location, size, and shape of the diseased tissue or tumor. Essentially, small lesions or tumors are detected with PET, and precisely located with CT.
Why do I Need a PET/CT?
PET/CT is a powerful imaging technique that holds great promise in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. A non-invasive test, PET/CT accurately images metabolic and anatomic information in the human body in a single scan. This allows your physician to examine your entire body at once. PET/CT provides a more complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment and track progress.
PET/CT at GMC
PET/CT exams may be scheduled five days per week, as well as two Saturdays per month.
Some common applications include:
Oncology
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Preparing for Your PET/CT
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for 4-6 hours before your test.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Take any prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise.
- Notify your physician if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or if you are diabetic.
What to Expect
- A PET/CT scan is completely painless, with no side effects. After fasting for approximately four hours, you will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive glucose. Following the injection, you will rest quietly for approximately 45 minutes, while the glucose is distributed throughout the body.
- After the distribution time is complete, you will then be asked to lie on a table that slowly passes through the scanner.
- The CT portion of the test sends x-rays through the body that are processed to show the body structure. The PET portion of the test produces a whole body map of the glucose distribution. The scanning process takes approximately forty minutes.
- After the organ being studied processes the radioactive tracer, and the scanner records the information, a trained radiologist interprets the images. Results are reported to your referring physician usually within 24 hours.
To Schedule Your PET/CT
To Schedule an exam or procedure, contact Scheduling at (678) 312-3444.
To learn more about our locations or to schedule an appointment visit our Locations & Contacts page.
Finding Out the Results
A board-certified Radiologist will review your images, and the report will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health. Results cannot be given directly to the patient or family.
PET/CT Services |
| PET/CT |
| Brain/Alzheimer’s |
| Breast |
| Colorectal |
| Esophageal/Diagnosis |
| Esophageal/Initial Staging |
| Gastric |
| Head |
| Liver |
| Lung |
| Lymphoma |
| Melanoma |
| Neck |
| Ovarian |
| Renal Cell CA |
| Thyroid |
