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Diagnostics
PET Scanning
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography and assists in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. PET scans are the tools that enhance the capability to pinpoint cancer in its earlier stages and help your physician identify the best plan of treatment. A PET scan uses a small amount of a radioactive material which is tagged to a compound familiar to your body and which shows the chemical function of an organ or tissue. This radioactive drug is administered to the patient by injection, and the PET scanner images how the human body metabolizes the drug. This process is unobtainable by using other imaging techniques such as X-rays, CTs, Ultrasounds or MRIs which only show anatomical structure. PET scans guide physicians to the most appropriate treatment by detecting abnormalities that might not be seen with other modalities. PET scans are safe and can be performed in a matter of hours.
Palm Beach Cancer Institute (PBCI) has a dedicated GE Discovery ST (PET) Scanner and is one of a limited number of sites on the East Coast that provides this type of innovative imaging. It is useful clinically for characterizing dementia, epilepsy and coronary artery disease, in addition, to accurately pinpointing various malignant tumors in patients.
This link answers some basic questions regarding PET: click here.
CT Scanning
During a computed tomography (CT) scan, a series of pictures of the body is recorded by a rotating X-ray machine, producing cross-sectioned images or “slices” of the body’s organs. These highly-detailed images enable radiologists to view a combination of bone, soft tissue, and arteries. Because CT technology provides clear visualization of hard tissue, they are useful in detecting tumors, calcium buildup, and cysts. Additionally, CT scans are often used to track whether a patient’s cancer is responding to treatment.
Palm Beach Cancer Institute (PBCI) utilizes a GE Lightspeed CT Scanner. This system allows us to:
- Detect and diagnose cancers in the lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, pelvis, brain and spine. The images produced by the CT scan give physicians information about the presence, size, and location of a tumor.
- Detect, diagnose, and treat vascular diseases which could result in kidney failure, stroke, or death.
- Determine and administer radiation therapy treatments for tumors
- Assist during minimally invasive procedures by determining location for biopsies to be performed
For frequently asked questions regarding CT Scans, click here.
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