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| What is PET/CT? |
| PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. PET is “functional” imaging, and looks at the biological process of the body. It is combined with a non-diagnostic CT for anatomical reference and localization. These two modalities are contained within the one scanner and are acquired almost simultaneously. PET/CT scans are safe, can be completed in less than a few hours and is an outpatient procedure. |
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| What is PET/CT used for? |
| PET/CT is used to help diagnose, determine the effectiveness of therapies, stage disease and provide surveillance for recurrent disease. It is useful in a variety of diseases, including cancer, coronary artery disease, alzheimers and seizure disorders. In cancer patients, PET/CT provides tumor imaging, is very accurate in identifying the extent of malignant disease and can be a vital tool in the radiation therapy process. |
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| How accurate is PET/CT? |
| PET/CT is very accurate in showing the presence or spread of a variety of malignant tumors. For example, it is more accurate in detecting the spread of lung cancer and colon cancer than any other imaging method currently available. Accuracy has also been demonstrated in evaluating recurrent breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, sarcomas, brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, and tumors of the head and neck. |
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| What should I bring with me? |
- It is important that you bring recent x-ray studies (such as CT or MRI scans) to the PET/CT Center. The radiologist will need them to compare to today’s PET/CT scan, and will prevent delays in receiving your results.
- Out-of-the-area facilities can directly mail these CD’s for you to: Palm Beach Cancer Institute PET/CT Department, 1309 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
- You may want to bring socks, music, or reading material. In some instances, however, you may not be permitted to use these devices.
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| What should I do to prepare? |
- You will be given specific diet and activity instructions when you schedule your exam.
- Do not eat anything 6 hours prior to your scan.
- Tell your physician if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or are a nursing mother.
- Tell your physician if you are a diabetic.
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing, free of underwires, zippers, snaps, or metal in general. It is cold in the facility.
- Take prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed not to do so.
- Wear your hearing aid, glasses or dentures to the PET center. However, leave valuables at home. Please do not wear jewelry to the facility.
- If you are claustrophobic or unable to lie still for up to 25 minutes, please inform your physician prior to your PET/CT scan.
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| What happens when I arrive for my scan? |
| When you arrive for your PET/CT scan, you will be registered in the PBCI Center for Radiation Therapy and taken to the PET area. There, a technologist will ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history and start an IV. You will also be given an opportunity at this time to ask questions of the technologist. Next, a small blood sample will be taken to check your blood sugar (glucose) level. The technologist will then inject a small amount of radioactive glucose into your bloodstream. There are no side effects from this injection and you will feel just as you did when you arrived. |
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| How does a PET/CT scan work? |
| After your injection, you will be asked to relax and remain quiet for about an hour. Then, you will be asked to lie on a scanner table. The table will move slowly through the scanner while it detects the injected tracer. Some people fall asleep during the scan. When the scan is complete, the images are processed by the technologist. The images will then be reviewed by a specially-trained radiologist. Your doctor will receive a report detailing the findings of your exam. |
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| How long does the scan take? |
You can expect to be in the PET center for approximately 2 hours. The actual scan itself takes far less time and depends on the purpose and type of the study. In most cases, a body scan from the skull base to the mid-thigh area takes about 15 to 25 minutes.
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| How will I feel afterwards? |
| You should feel fine after the scan. There are no side effects from the tracer injection. You will be able to resume your normal diet and activities immediately following the scan. It is suggested that you stay away from pregnant women and small children as well as avoiding airports, ports of call, or any other facility with radiation detection equipment. |
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| When will I know the results of my scan? |
| The results of your PET scan will be given to you by your physician. You can expect a written report to be available for your physician within 72 hours. |
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| Directions to the Facility |
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From I-95, exit at Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, and go east to Dixie Highway. Turn left (north) on Dixie Highway for approximately 100 yards, then turn right into the driveway marked Palm Beach Cancer Institute Valet Parking. The address is 1300 North Dixie Highway (Battin Building).
From_Flagler_Drive, Turn west on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to Dixie Highway. Turn right (north) on Dixie Highway for approximately 100 yards, then turn right into the driveway marked “Palm Beach Cancer Institute Valet Parking”. The address is 1300 North Dixie Highway (Battin Building).
For all Diagnostic Imaging (PET/CT, CT scan, Ultrasound) and Radiation Therapy services, please register 20 minutes prior to your appointed time at 1300 North Dixie Hwy, (Battin Building) on the northeast corner of Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Dixie Hwy. If you have any questions please call (561) 472-1272.
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