Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging

(214) 345-8300

Common Uses for Positron Emission Tomography

PET Scan Technologists in Dallas, Texas

At Southwest Diagnostic Center For Molecular Imaging, our radiology staff and technical team have a patient-centered approach to providing patients with PET/CT Scans in Dallas, Texas. Our highly trained staff is committed to answering questions, providing results quickly and accurately, and easing the patient’s tensions through compassionate care. Using the latest imaging technology, we provide our patients with the highest standard of service by delivering quick and accurate results. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (214) 345-8300 today!

Positron Emission Tomography - PET/CT Scan

Several reasons why a patient might need a PET scan:

  • Provide insight into the body’s organ function
  • Locate cancerous growths
  • Trace, track, and monitor the remission of cancer
  • Checking for metastasization of cancerous tumors

 

What are some common uses of PET-CT?

Detecting Cancer

PET/CT scans are one of the most advanced ways for physicians to detect cancer, analyze the staging, select treatment options, and to see if the treatment is working or if cancer has spread. The PET/CT scan combines the cross-sectional imaging of the body from the CT scan, and the ability of the PET scan to detect tissue function.

Before a PET/CT scan, the patient receives an injection of radioactive glucose. Cancer cells are highly metabolic and synthesize the glucose quicker than non-cancerous tissue. The PET scan will then display which tissues processed the glucose quicker. That is then combined with the cross-dimensional aspect of the CT scan to get a better view throughout the entire body. This can help detecting if the cancer has spread to other organs.

From this information physicians can plan an effective treatment strategy. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, or a combination therapy where one or more of these options are combined. As treatment continues, further scans help physicians determine if the therapy is working.

PET/CT scans provide information to help physicians:

  • Locate the site of the cancer
  • Select the proper treatments
  • Determine the size of the tumor
  • Detect recurrent tumors
  • Differentiate benign and malignant tumors
  • See if cancer is spreading to other parts of the body
  • Monitor the success of treatments
  • Differentiate benign and malignant tumors

Brain Evaluations

A PET scan can show the size, shape, and function of the brain, so your doctor can make sure it is working as well as it should. It is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information. Newer PET/CT technology has allowed for emerging tests, such as testing for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.

This test can be used to:

  • Diagnose cancer
  • Prepare for epilepsy surgery
  • Help diagnose dementia if other tests and exams do not provide enough information
  • Tell the difference between Parkinson disease and other movement disorders

Several PET scans may be taken to determine how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.

Schedule an Appointment for a PET Scan in Dallas, TX

Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging offers comprehensive PET Scans to patients in Dallas, TX. To schedule an appointment for a PET scan at Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging, call our center at (214) 345-8300 today!

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