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Imaging for a Less Invasive Diagnosis - PET/CT Scan Imaging Las Colinas

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Imaging for a Less Invasive Diagnosis - PET/CT Scan Imaging Las Colinas

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Faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Imaging allows for an abbreviated exploratory process and the means to identify disease far faster.

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In the past, identifying disease typically came as a result of surgery. When certain symptoms were present in their patient, a doctor would make the call to perform exploratory surgery during which they would be able to determine if disease did in fact exist. Of course, there are always risks associated with surgery of any kind so any time that exploratory surgery was performed, the patient was at risk as the result of being put under anesthesia. Additionally, traditional surgery was invasive and therefore resulted in a certain period of recovery as well as the risk of infection. Not to mention the costs associated with surgery.

Today, imaging technology allows us to "explore" the human body in a much different way. Through imaging procedures such as PET and CT scans, we are able to examine the bones, tissues, and even organs of various regions of the body to determine function and even establish the presence of disease. This is a significant benefit to the medical community and has completely changed the patient experience as well. Some of the benefits associated with imaging include:

There is no longer a need for traditional surgery in many cases. This eliminates any recovery time for patients and this non-invasive procedure means the elimination of the risk of infection associated with the healing process and hospital stays. A reduction of unnecessary surgery is always a good thing for patients.

Reduced costs. Surgery costs money, as does hospitalization. Imaging procedures done in an imaging center means reduced costs for patients and an overall reduction in costs in the healthcare industry as a whole.

Faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Imaging allows for an abbreviated exploratory process and the means to identify disease far faster. This increased speed of diagnosis means that a treatment plan - if necessary - can be put into effect much faster.

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In the past, identifying disease typically came as a result of surgery. When certain symptoms were present in their patient, a doctor would make the call to perform exploratory surgery during which they would be able to determine if disease did in fact exist.

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While current CT methods can provide some insights about heart health, the new diagnostic tool takes routine computerized tomography (CT) scans to a whole new level.

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Imagine having access to a crystal ball that could provide warning of an impending heart attack early enough that the future could be changed. Although no such crystal ball exists, researchers believe a newly developed CT scan analysis may have the same, potentially life-saving, effect.

The scan in question is able to detect inflammation in the blood vessels before hardening and irreversible plaque buildup occurs. In doing so, this analysis may enable cardiologists to help their patients prevent heart attacks before they become imminent concerns. Essentially, the test may give doctors and their patients the ability to change the future, so to say.

While current CT methods can provide some insights about heart health, the new diagnostic tool takes routine computerized tomography (CT) scans to a whole new level. The tool is designed to allow for the measurement of changes in the size of fat cells. This, in turn, enables doctors to more readily determine if potentially deadly inflammation is occurring.

Researchers say that roughly half of all heart attacks occur when minor plaques in heart vessels rupture. These vessels are generally quite inflamed, but may not have experienced significant narrowing. At present, there is no test available that can identify this inflammation prior to major plaque buildup and narrowing. The new analysis is hoped to change that.

While more study is necessary to determine the viability of the diagnostic tool, researchers are encouraged by their findings so far. With more than 750,000 Americans at risk for heart attacks in the coming year, having the ability to catch problems sooner could save a significant number of lives. It is estimated that one out of four deaths in the United States is attributed to heart disease.

People who are concerned about their heart health should make appointments with their healthcare providers. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as working exercise into the routine and eating a balanced diet, may help prevent the development of heart disease or assist in stopping it in its tracks.

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Imagine having access to a crystal ball that could provide warning of an impending heart attack early enough that the future could be changed. Although no such crystal ball exists, researchers believe a newly developed CT scan analysis may have the same, potentially life-saving, effect.

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Researchers have been delving into the potential benefits of prostate-specific molecular imaging, using tests such as the PET and CT.

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An estimated 161,000 American men will receive a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer in the coming year. While many men diagnosed with the disease will find their condition has been detected early and is likely quite treatable, the prognosis is not always so positive. When there are concerns about more aggressive cancers or if aggressive treatments are being pursued, PET and CT scans designed specifically to assist in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment may offer the insights necessary to provide men with more positive outlooks.

Researchers have been delving into the potential benefits of prostate-specific molecular imaging, using tests such as the PET and CT. So far, they have found that these tests are able to detect cancer more readily than others while also offering a path to potentially improving patient care and outcomes.

One recent study involved the use of a combined PET/CT test to evaluate prostate cancer patients. The study involved more than 400 prostate cancer positive patients. They were all given prostate-specific scans before and after treatment.

The results of the study were rather eye-opening. The pre-treatment scans, researchers found, resulted in changes to planned management in more than half the cases due to the more detailed information doctors received about their patient's conditions. Other studies have shown that PET/CT scan technology is able to detect prostate cancer that had not been previously found in other tests.

Outside of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the mostly commonly diagnosed form of this disease in American men. While considered highly survivable in many cases, the key to a positive outcome often lies in accurate diagnostics. As research is showing, PET/CT scans may provide the edge doctors and their patients need for better understanding a patient's individual case.

Men who are concerned about prostate cancer are urged to talk with their healthcare providers. Routine screening can be crucial for detecting this form of cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

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Prostate Specific PET, CT Scans Improve Diagnosis, Care: Study

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An estimated 161,000 American men will receive a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer in the coming year. While many men diagnosed with the disease will find their condition has been detected early and is likely quite treatable, the prognosis is not always so positive.

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It is estimated that more than 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. This progressive and often fatal condition slowly robs people of their memories and cognitive abilities. While medications exist to help slow progression, there is no known cure at this time. Proper diagnosis to confirm or deny the presence of Alzheimer's is critical for ensuring adequate care by ruling out other forms of dementia as the causation for cognitive symptoms. A relatively new screening test is helping doctors increase diagnosis accuracy. When an amyvid PET scan in Las Colinas is ordered, patients will find this relatively simple test is designed to give doctors a better understanding of what is happening inside a patient's body.

Amyvid is a radioactive tracer that is used in conjunction with a standard PET scan. This tracer is able to attach itself to amyloid plaques that may - or may not - be present on a patient's brain. When a PET scan is performed, amyvid illuminates amyloid plaques in the resulting images. If plaques are present, a patient's cognitive impairments may very well be linked to the presence of Alzheimer's disease. If plaques are absent, however, it almost always indicates the presence of a different cause for symptoms.

Doctors order amyvid PET scans in Las Colinas to ensure they are providing patients with cognitive impairments with proper diagnosis and treatment. There are many other forms of dementia beyond Alzheimer's disease. Some may benefit from treatments that are very different from the course prescribed to Alzheimer's patients, making accurate diagnosis critical.

If cognitive issues are a concern with aging, there is a good chance a doctor will order a amyvid PET scan in Las Colinas. This simple test takes only a short time to perform and can help doctors more accurately diagnose and subsequently treat dementia. The test is considered vital for ensuring proper interventions are offered. While Alzheimer's is not curable, medications may ease symptoms and provide patients with a higher quality of life longer.

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Amyvid PET Scan in Las Colinas: Why Your Doctor Ordered One

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It is estimated that more than 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. This progressive and often fatal condition slowly robs people of their memories and cognitive abilities. While medications exist to help slow progression, there is no known cure at this time.

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Patients who are asked to report to a CT scan image service in Las Colinas will find the test is pretty simple to endure.

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Computerized tomography, or CT for short, is a commonly ordered diagnostic test. Although the procedure is widely used, people may find they are not quite as familiar with it as they are standard X-rays. When a doctor requests the use of a CT scan image service in Las Colinas, it will be because there is a need to have a more detailed picture of what is happening inside than body than a typical X-ray can provide.

CT scans are able to provide doctors more information than an X-ray, because the images are taken from multiple angles. This provides a cross-sectional, comprehensive look at the body's soft tissues and bones. The type of test is commonly associated with cancer diagnostics and treatment, but its benefits extend well beyond. CT scans, for example, may be ordered to find internal injuries or bleeding that may otherwise go undetected. Hairline fractures missed by X-rays, for example, are more likely to show up on CT scans.

Patients who are asked to report to a CT scan image service in Las Colinas will find the test is pretty simple to endure. In many cases, it will only be slightly more involved than a standard X-ray. Patients are asked to lie on a table that will be positioned to enable the machine, which looks like a large ring, to provide the clearest pictures of the affected area possible. The machine will rotate around the body while taking the images. In some cases, a special dye will be swallowed or injected to allow a particular area of the body to be visualized more clearly.

Once performed, CT images provide doctors a more in-depth look at what is going on inside the body. This, in turn, can lead to more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for the patient, making the use of a CT important for helping put people on the road to recovery.

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CT Scan Image Service in Las Colinas: What to Expect

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Computerized tomography, or CT for short, is a commonly ordered diagnostic test. Although the procedure is widely used, people may find they are not quite as familiar with it as they are standard X-rays.

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer’s Disease

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer’s Disease

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PET-CT of Las Colinas offers Competitive Cash Pricing and also has Special Research and Study Pricing available. Contact us to schedule an Amyvid scan.

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer's Disease
The Amyvid scan is an important advancement in the detection of Alzheimer's disease. Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) is a drug for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain in adults who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is a condition where the capability to think and form clear, coherent thoughts and choices has decreased. AD is one form of dementia that gradually worsens over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Amyvid is the first-and-only FDA-approved diagnostic PET tracer available. "Many Americans undergo evaluations to try to determine the cause for a decline in cognitive functioning," says Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Until now, the brain content of β-amyloid neuritic plaques could only be determined with a brain biopsy or examination of the brain at autopsy. This imaging agent is one tool to help physicians in the assessment of their patients by serving as an adjunct to other diagnostic evaluations."

After receiving an intravenous injection, Amyvid (a radioactive drug) binds to brain β-amyloid. β-amyloid protein is a type of protein that forms in patients with AD and some other cognitive disorders. Neuritic plaques, also called amyloid plaques, are abnormal clumps of brain cells mixed with β-amyloid protein. This radioactive signal can then be detected with a PET scanner which produces images of the plaque in the brain. A positive Amyvid scan indicates moderate to frequent plaques. However, a positive Amyvid scan does not establish a diagnosis of AD because, although patients with AD always have an increased brain content of plaque, the test also may be positive in patients with other types of neurologic conditions, as well as in older people with normal cognition.

A negative Amyvid scan indicates light to no neuritic plaques; a negative scan outcome lessens the likelihood that a patient's cognitive impairment is due to AD. Amyvid is used in addition to other diagnostic evaluations.

The Amyvid scan is quick - the patient is in and out within an hour:
" No fasting required.
" No change to your daily medications - take all your medications as usual.
" After the injection, there is a 30-50 minute uptake time to allow the medication to bind in the brain.
" The actual scan only takes about 10 minutes.

PET/CT of Las Colinas offers Competitive Cash Pricing and also has Special Research and Study Pricing available.
Please feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule an Amyvid scan.

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer's Disease The Amyvid scan is an important advancement in the detection of Alzheimer's disease. Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) is a drug for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain in adults who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline.

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Lung Cancer Screening - PET CT Las Colinas

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Lung Cancer Screening - PET CT Las Colinas

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Men, a new study indicates, should also undergo more frequent routine screening for lung cancer if they fall into a high-risk category.

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The American Cancer Society estimates more than 222,000 people across the country will face a diagnosis of lung cancer in the coming year. While the disease readily strikes men and women alike, men are at slightly higher risk for developing this potentially fatal condition. Men, a new study indicates, should also undergo more frequent routine screening for lung cancer if they fall into a high-risk category.

As it stands right now, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose CT scans for both men and women ages 55 to about 80 who are at high risk. This risk category is defined as having a history of smoking at least a pack a day for about 30 years. Heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years are also urged to undergo screening.

To arrive at the findings that men might require more frequent screening, researchers looked at data related to more than 46,000 patients who underwent chest CT scans between 2000 and 2016. During this period, 282 patients developed lung cancer. Of that number, 186 were diagnosed on their initial scan. A total of 96 patients were diagnosed in subsequent scans. Of that 96, researchers noted differences between the sexes. The average time between diagnosis by CT and the previous scan was about 5.6 years in women and about 3.6 years in men. Most of the cases diagnosed in the women were stage one, but that wasn't the case with most of the men.

Given the results, researchers say women might only require scans every two to three years. Annual scans, however, at the minimum should be followed through with by men and their doctors if risk is high.

Lung cancer claims an estimated 155,000 lives in America each year. People who are at risk for this disease are urged to talk with their doctors. Early detection can lead to successful treatment.

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Men Might Need Lung Cancer Screening More Often Than Women

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The American Cancer Society estimates more than 222,000 people across the country will face a diagnosis of lung cancer in the coming year. While the disease readily strikes men and women alike, men are at slightly higher risk for developing this potentially fatal condition.

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Patients will find PET scans require only a little work on their part. To get ready for that tracer, patients will generally be asked to fast for at least six hours prior to a scan.

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When doctors start ordering tests that have funny-sounding acronyms for names, it's not uncommon for patients to get just a little bit uncomfortable. If the test in question happens to be a PET scan (or positron emission tomography scan), there's nothing to fret about. This fairly simple, but highly powerful test is generally ordered to help doctors "see" inside the body to diagnose or rule out illnesses. The good news is that this test offers such insights without actually making doctors go inside the body to see what is going on.

PET scans involve the use of powerful imaging equipment and special radioactive tracers. These tracers are injected into the body prior to a scan and given a chance to circulate. As tracers work their way through the body, they collect in areas that have higher levels of chemical activity. These areas are generally associated with injury or disease. The tracers will enable the spots with higher chemical activity to show up on the subsequent scans as bright spots.

Doctors order PET scans for many different reasons. The most common reasons, however, are to diagnose or rule out cancer, heart disease or brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Patients will find PET scans require only a little work on their part. To get ready for that tracer, patients will generally be asked to fast for at least six hours prior to a scan. Heavy exercise may also be off limits for about 24 hours. When patients arrive at an imaging center for a scan, they'll be asked to dress in a hospital gown and will have to remove any metal objects that could interfere with the scan. After that, a technician will administer the tracer, generally intravenously. This can take about an hour to ensure proper circulation before the screening begins. Once it does, all patients need to do is lie back on a table that is moved through a doughnut-shaped machine.

While PET scans do have a funny-sounding name, this test can prove critical in diagnosing and treating many illnesses while making the process much easier and less-invasive for patients. If a PET scan is ordered and there are any concerns, just ask the doctor directly for more information in advance of this test.

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When doctors start ordering tests that have funny-sounding acronyms for names, it's not uncommon for patients to get just a little bit uncomfortable. If the test in question happens to be a PET scan (or positron emission tomography scan), there's nothing to fret about.

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When a PET scan is ordered, a patient will either undergo the procedure at a hospital or in an outpatient diagnostic facility.

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Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scans for short, have been commonly used in medical diagnostics for years. Even so, not everyone is familiar with the technology or its most common uses. If a doctor recommends this test, patients can rest assured it's not a painful one and the information it can provide may, in fact, prove lifesaving.

When a PET scan is ordered, a patient will either undergo the procedure at a hospital or in an outpatient diagnostic facility. The process begins by injecting a patient with a radioactive tracer that is able to travel throughout the body and attach itself to the organs and tissues that need to be studied. The dose of radiation involved is very small, so there's no reason for alarm. It is critical, however, because it enables the PET test to visualize any areas of concern.

Once the tracer has been given time to absorb into the body, all a patient needs to do is lie down on a table and relax. The table patients are asked to lie down on will then be moved into the scanner, which will then create three-dimensional images of what is going on inside the body. A doctor can then look at cross-sectional images to see organs from multiple angles and determine if there are problems present. Offering much more precision than an X-ray, this scan can help doctors more accurately diagnosis a variety of conditions.

PET technology is considered such an important diagnostic tool because it enables doctors to see inside the body without requiring them to perform more invasive procedures. It is commonly used to diagnose and/or stage cancer, but is also used to detect heart disease, neurological conditions, psychiatric concerns and other problems, such as stroke.

PET scans have played an important role in medical diagnostics for years. This relatively simple test enables more accurate diagnosis while minimizing impacts on patients. If a doctor recommends this test, there's no cause for alarm. It is ordered to ensure physicians have access to the most accurate information to guide them in recommending care.

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Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scans for short, have been commonly used in medical diagnostics for years. Even so, not everyone is familiar with the technology or its most common uses. If a doctor recommends this test, patients can rest assured it's not a painful one and the information it can provide may, in fact, prove lifesaving.

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Computerized tomography, or CT, technology enables doctors to gain a clearer picture of what is going on inside the body.

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As healthcare debates continue to wage across the country, the cost of care is a hot topic of discussion. While the bottom line is important, medical experts stress that value must also be considered. Case in point is a common diagnostic procedure that costs a bit on the front end, but can end up saving insurers and patients thousands of dollars in the long run. Since its widespread introduction into hospitals across the country in the 1990s, the CT scan has saved untold numbers of patients from unnecessary surgical procedures and the costs associated with them.

Computerized tomography, or CT, technology enables doctors to gain a clearer picture of what is going on inside the body. It does so more accurately than X-rays in regard to gauging organ and soft tissue health. It also does so without the need for exploratory surgery.

Prior to the introduction of CT scans, patients who were believed to have appendix-related complaints almost always underwent surgery just to be on the safe side. About one in four patients, however, turned out having no appendix-related problems. Even so, they were operated on and ended up having to incur those costs and the associated pain and recovery time that goes along with surgery. Since CT scans were introduced, millions of people have been spared from surgery that would have turned out to be unnecessary.

While CT scans can have a high price tag for use, they add value to the healthcare process. By sparing people from unnecessary surgery and its costs, this simple test makes the diagnostic process better and more accurate.

As healthcare remains a hot topic, it's important for people across the country to remain mindful of value. Diagnostic procedures that may cost a bit on the front end can end up saving thousands of dollars down the road. Since they may also spare people from unnecessary surgery and its associated potential complications, the true value may be priceless.

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CT Scans Add Value to Medicine While Improving Patient Care

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As healthcare debates continue to wage across the country, the cost of care is a hot topic of discussion. While the bottom line is important, medical experts stress that value must also be considered. Case in point is a common diagnostic procedure that costs a bit on the front end, but can end up saving insurers and patients thousands of dollars in the long run.

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The screening procedure now being recommended for people at high risk of lung cancer is nothing more than a common low-dose CT scan.

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With more than 220,000 new cases reported annually and some 155,000 deaths attributed to the cause, lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of this disease known to man. As it is with many other forms of cancer, lung cancer can sometimes be treated highly successfully when it is detected in its earliest stages. While that is the case, the rate of people seeking out and receiving early screening for lung cancer has remained relatively stagnant, a new study has revealed. The relative flatlining of early screening comes even as more insurers are covering the costs associated with screening for people at particularly high risk.

The screening procedure now being recommended for people at high risk of lung cancer is nothing more than a common low-dose CT scan. This imaging tool has been proven to be highly useful in detecting lung cancer in its earliest stages when other tests may miss its presence. With that in mind, many insurers are now paying the costs for people who have a long-term history of smoking. That change came about over the past few years, but an increase of people seeking scans has not been witnessed, researchers say.

The study in question involved an analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey. Researchers ultimately found that in 2010, only about 3.3 percent of eligible smokers reported getting a CT scan. By 2015, the number had only climbed to about 3.9 percent. It was estimated there were 6.8 million smokers eligible for screening in 2015, meaning millions did not receive this potentially lifesaving screen. Whether the relatively low screening rate is due to failure for this test to be recommended or patients declining the suggestion is unclear. What is clear is that early screening can save lives.

People who are at high risk for lung cancer are urged to talk to their healthcare providers. Low-dose CT scans are generally recommended for people who have a long-term history of smoking at least a pack a day. Former smokers may also find this test is right for them.

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Lung Cancer Screening Rates Stagnant: Study

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With more than 220,000 new cases reported annually and some 155,000 deaths attributed to the cause, lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of this disease known to man. As it is with many other forms of cancer, lung cancer can sometimes be treated highly successfully when it is detected in its earliest stages.

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Difference in Esophageal Cancer Treatment

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Difference in Esophageal Cancer Treatment

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The use of PET scans may help doctors more readily determine the effectiveness of a course of cancer treatment.

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Esophageal cancer is one of the rarer forms of this disease, but one of the most difficult to treat. Known to affect just under 17,000 Americans annually, this disease claims an estimated 15,600 lives each year. Due to its location in the body and the potential to do harm to vital nearby organs, esophageal cancer continues to be a pressing concern for clinicians who find they must treat this disease in patients. In many cases, chemoradiation is recommended as an initial step to shrink tumors and pave the way for a greater chance of success if, and when, surgery is indicated.

Making sure chemo is working as it should has long been a concern in esophageal cancer. The use of positron emission tomography, or PET scans for short, may help doctors more readily determine the effectiveness of a course of treatment while giving them the time necessary to change actions if results indicate a need to do so. the use of this test as a monitor during treatments, in fact, has been shown to be very beneficial for enabling doctors to tailor their actions based on a patient's specific tumor response.

A recent clinical study that involved the use of PET scanning to gauge the effectiveness of chemotherapy produced rather positive results. Researchers found it was very helpful to provide patients with esophageal cancer a short course of induction chemotherapy that was then followed by a PET assessment. The PET was performed to determine if the chemo was having a positive impact or not. If it wasn't, patients were switched to an alternative form of chemotherapy while undergoing preoperative chemoradiation.

In using the PET scan to gauge early response, doctors found that roughly 90 out of a group of nearly 260 patients were not responding well to their initial treatment. These patients were switched to a different course of action. The outcomes for those who switched were encouraging with just under 20 percent enjoying a pathologic complete response.

By enabling doctors to see how tumors respond to treatment in its earliest phases, PET scans hold the potential to enable more targeted treatment on a case-by-case basis, the researchers concluded. While esophageal cancer remains quite difficult to treat, this added insight could provide great value to doctors and patients alike.

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PET Scans Can Make a Difference in Esophageal Cancer Treatment

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Esophageal cancer is one of the rarer forms of this disease, but one of the most difficult to treat. Known to affect just under 17,000 Americans annually, this disease claims an estimated 15,600 lives each year.

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When a contrast CT is ordered it is done to help potential areas of concern show up more readily on CT scan images.

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When a medical condition is suspected or already under treatment, it's not uncommon for patients to feel like they've been sent back to school. When one test with a funny name leads to another and another, keeping up with how to prepare and what to expect can be tough. If your doctor has ordered a contrast CT, this particular test with an unusual name is absolutely nothing to fear. In fact, when its potential benefits are considered carefully, computed tomography scans, or CT for short, are actually pretty cool.

CT scans at their heart aren't all that different from standard X-rays just about everyone has undergone at some point in life. The CT version, however, is designed to create much more detailed images of the inside of the body. This type of test, for example, may be used to help determine if a bone that didn't look broken on an X-ray does in fact have a fracture. It can also be quite useful in confirming or ruling out a host of conditions including cancer.

When a contrast CT is ordered it is done to help potential areas of concern show up more readily on CT scan images. Here are a few things that patients should know before they go in:

Eating and drinking may be off limits before the test - Yes, homework may come with a contrast CT. To prepare, patients may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a set period of time before going in. Doctors will generally define the timeframe, so be sure to ask.

It's best to leave jewelry at home or bring someone along to hold personal belongings - When a CT is being performed, glasses, jewelry, dentures and other similar items will need to come off.

Patients get to take a load off - Before the CT begins, patients will be asked to lie down on the scanning table. At that point, the contrast will typically be administered if it's an IV form. Patients may taste something funny or feel a little rush of heat, but nothing more than discomfort goes along with this part of the test. IV contracts aren't the only option. Depending on what the CT is looking for, oral contrasts or rectal contrasts may be used.

The test itself is pretty simple - While preparing for the CT with the contract can take about 90 minutes, the scan itself make only take minutes or less. Once it begins, the table a patient is on will slide into the scanner and a giant X-ray tube will rotate around taking images. There's no pain involved, but patients may be asked to hold their breath at some points during the test.

A contrast CT simply provides doctors clearer images of what is going on inside a patient's body. Although more involved than a typical X-ray, the information provided can be quite valuable for ruling out, diagnosing or treating a condition.

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Contrast CT Ordered by Your Doctor? Here's What to Expect

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When a medical condition is suspected or already under treatment, it's not uncommon for patients to feel like they've been sent back to school. When one test with a funny name leads to another and another, keeping up with how to prepare and what to expect can be tough.

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The PET scan provides information about the metabolic activity of cancer cells while the CT scan provides a detailed image of cancerous structures within the body.

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When healthcare providers need more detailed information about what's going on inside the body without requiring that they actually go into the body, a unique combination test can deliver the results needed. A PET/CT scan combines two powerful imaging procedures into one, providing an in-depth look inside the body from the outside.

PET/CT scans are diagnostic tools that simultaneously perform these two tests to deliver highly detailed information. Often used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, this combination test can detect and stage cancer at the same time. The PET scan provides information about the metabolic activity of cancer cells while the CT scan provides a detailed image of cancerous structures within the body. The resulting images can confirm or deny cancer's presence while offering insights on stage, aggressiveness, location and size should a tumor be found.

While applications for PET/CT scans go well beyond cancer, the tool is considered invaluable to oncologists and other cancer care professionals. Since treatment recommendations are often developed based on the results of such diagnostic procedures, the combination test enables clinicians to move forward with a higher degree of confidence. The test is also highly useful for gauging the effectiveness of treatments once they have begun.

When a healthcare provider orders a combination PET/CT scan, patients will find this test is fairly simple to undergo on their part. Pre-procedure orders may be given, such as fasting for a few hours, but the instructions are generally fairly simple. Once a patient arrives at a testing facility, a radioactive tracer drug will be administered to assist with the PET portion of the test. These tracers are attracted to areas of high chemical activity within the body, such as cancer tumors, and enable them to light up during the procedure. The procedure itself only requires that patients lay down on a table that is then moved through a special machine. It typically takes only a few minutes to complete a PET/CT test once the tracer is in place.

Patients who find their doctors ordering PET/CT scans will find this simple test can provide valuable, and potentially lifechanging information. To find out more about why a PET/CT has been ordered, consult with a personal physician.

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When healthcare providers need more detailed information about what's going on inside the body without requiring that they actually go into the body, a unique combination test can deliver the results needed. A PET/CT scan combines two powerful imaging procedures into one, providing an in-depth look inside the body from the outside.

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In general, CT scans are considered extremely safe because they only draw on a small amount of radiation to perform their work.

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When a doctor orders a CT scan to help with diagnosing an illness or other concern in a child, it's not uncommon for parents to be a little wary. After all, computerized tomography, or CT scans for short, do require the use of radiation. Since parents are protective by nature, it's perfectly normal to be a little concerned and to ask questions about this test, its potential benefits and drawbacks.

In general, CT scans are considered extremely safe because they only draw on a small amount of radiation to perform their work. This powerful imaging tool is considered so valuable to doctors because it enables them to see inside the body to diagnose illness, track the progress of treatments or even help in ruling out certain conditions. Unlike a typical X-ray, CT scans produce images that are much more detailed, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment in the process.

Parents who are concerned about radiation exposure risk will find that it is very slight in regard to CT scans. A recent study involving more than 11 million children, found that CT exposure prior to the age of 20 increased cancer risk later in life by an extremely small margin. Researchers found only one additional case of cancer for every 1,400 to 2,000 CT scans performed. That number, however, is extremely hard to pin on CT exposure since there are many other causations that may arise as a child grows.

While the risks associated with CT scans are minimal, parents will find that this test is only recommended when it is absolutely necessary. It may prove lifesaving, for example, when severe head trauma is suspected or another life-threatening illness needs to be diagnosed, staged or ruled out. Should a healthcare provider recommend a CT scan, parents are urged to ask questions about the need, the risks and the benefits and then make an informed decision. The bottom line is that CT scans pose little risk, but they should be used sparingly to err on the side of caution.

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Kids and CT Scans: Should They Get Them?

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When a doctor orders a CT scan to help with diagnosing an illness or other concern in a child, it's not uncommon for parents to be a little wary. After all, computerized tomography, or CT scans for short, do require the use of radiation.

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Getting ready for a CT scan is really no more complicated than going in for an X-ray. If your doctor has ordered one for you, just relax.

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When you're not feeling good and your doctor starts ordering a bunch of tests, anxiety levels can run high. Chances are you're not only worried about what could be causing the problem and/or the pain, but you're also concerned about how involved and potentially painful or uncomfortable testing procedures might be.

If your doctor has ordered a CT scan, there's no reason for alarm. This is a very simple testing procedure that can produce tremendous results with very little discomfort involved at all. In fact, in most cases, there's nothing more to a CT scan than sitting for a picture, just like with an X-ray.

So, what do you need to do to get ready for this type of imaging work? Believe it or not, nothing really. Beyond making sure your appointment is set up and the testing facility has your insurance and payment information, all you need to do is show up.

The entire procedure works very much like an X-ray. That means you'll be positioned on a table that will be slowly moved into the imaging area. The machine will snap the shots your doctor has asked for, the technician will check them out and then you'll be on your way. Results don't take very long to get to your doctor either, which means you could have your answers pretty soon.

Now, if your doctor has ordered "contrast" with your CT scan, you can expect a few other things to happen. That contrast is a dye that is injected into the body prior to a scan to enable more clear pictures of soft tissue. This can take a little prep time at the testing facility, but honestly not all that much. All that's involved is a tiny needle prick and you should be good to go once the dye has had a chance to make its way through your body.

Getting ready for a CT scan is really no more complicated than going in for an X-ray. If your doctor has ordered one for you, just relax. The whole process is pretty quick and thanks to the cross-sectional imagery delivered, your doctor gains a much clearer picture of what's going on inside your body when this type of test is performed.

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What You Need to do to Get Ready for a CT Scan

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When you're not feeling good and your doctor starts ordering a bunch of tests, anxiety levels can run high. Chances are you're not only worried about what could be causing the problem and/or the pain, but you're also concerned about how involved and potentially painful or uncomfortable testing procedures might be.

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CT scans involve the use of three-dimensional imaging technology to see inside the body and gauge the narrowing of heart arteries. Functional tests, such as a stress test, rely on other techniques, including ultrasound, to do the same.

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When heart disease is suspected, confirming a diagnosis and moving forward with measures to slow or stop its progression can make all the difference in the world for increasing chances for longevity. While functional stress tests are the traditional method for detecting heart conditions, CT scans have proven themselves as effective, a new study reveals.

CT scans involve the use of three-dimensional imaging technology to see inside the body and gauge the narrowing of heart arteries. Functional tests, such as a stress test, rely on other techniques, including ultrasound, to do the same. While both can lead to an important diagnosis, CT scans tend to be the safer alternative, researchers have concluded. These tests rely on a lower dose of radiation than the alternatives. This is an important fact since radiation has been linked with the development of cancer.

If your doctor has recommended a CT scan to gauge the condition of the heart and its arteries, you can rest assured this simple procedure will be relatively fast and pain-free. To undergo the procedure, patients are asked to lie down on a table. This table is moved through a ring that takes the images. Contrast may or may not be used to help doctors gauge the heart's function.

All told, the procedure only takes a short amount of time and can provide doctors the glimpse inside the body needed to make a proper diagnosis. The results are generally available pretty fast and give doctors the information needed to protect their patients from the worst heart disease can dish out.

Heart disease is a serious condition that claims many lives each year. Detecting it before a heart attack occurs can enable proper measures to be taken to prevent this eventuality. A CT scan is an important test that can outline the need for evasive action early and effectively.

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When heart disease is suspected, confirming a diagnosis and moving forward with measures to slow or stop its progression can make all the difference in the world for increasing chances for longevity. While functional stress tests are the traditional method for detecting heart conditions, CT scans have proven themselves as effective, a new study reveals.

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During a traditional colonoscopy, an endoscope is inserted into the colon while the patient is under sedation, so that the inside of the colon can be examined. Now, advanced imaging has provided another option for screenings through the computed tomographic colonography or CTC.

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Computerized imaging in the form of CT (computerized topography) scans provides a way for medical teams to explore the inner depths of the body without having to put a patient through lengthy, painful, costly exploratory surgery. In fact, imaging has changed the way that we are able to detect and diagnose a variety of diseases. This ability to offer an alternative to traditional methods of investigation into the inner workings of the body has saved patients time, money, and a considerable amount of discomfort. Plus, if disease is confirmed it is done so quickly - providing patients and their doctors much more lead time in determining an appropriate course of treatment and implementing that treatment.

One of the ways in which CT imaging has changed the course of diagnosis is with regard to colorectal disease. Traditionally, screenings for colorectal cancer, as well as evidence of polyps (abnormal growths that can signify the presence of or potential for colon cancer) is the colonoscopy. During a traditional colonoscopy, an endoscope is inserted into the colon while the patient is under sedation, so that the inside of the colon can be examined. Now, advanced imaging has provided another option for screenings through the computed tomographic colonography or CTC.

During a CTC, images are taken of the colon wall which allows doctors to determine if polyps exist. It has been shown that such imaging is just as effective as colonoscopies for detection of polyps and allows for a few added benefits including:

There is no need for the patient to be sedated for a CTC scan. This is a painless procedure for which patients can be fully awake, thereby eliminating the need for sedatives or recovery time.

There are no complications associated with the CTC procedure. Colonoscopy is a highly effective scanning procedure but there are risks associated with it. In addition to the potential for a reaction to the sedative itself, there is also the risk for perforation to the colon wall as well as subsequent bleeding from any location from which tissue is removed for examination.

A CTC is just one more option for staying on top of colorectal health and ensuring that there is no presence of disease or any other conditions about which you and your doctor should be aware.

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Computed Tomography Colonography Offers Alternative to Colonoscopies

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Computerized imaging in the form of CT (computerized topography) scans provides a way for medical teams to explore the inner depths of the body without having to put a patient through lengthy, painful, costly exploratory surgery. In fact, imaging has changed the way that we are able to detect and diagnose a variety of diseases.

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PET Scan Helps Catch Recurring Prostate Cancer Faster

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PET Scan Helps Catch Recurring Prostate Cancer Faster

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Men who are concerned about prostate cancer risks should talk with their healthcare providers. Routine screening is critical for early detection and successful treatment of this common form of cancer.

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Men who have battled prostate cancer know that the completion of treatment doesn't necessarily mean a person is out of the woods entirely. To safeguard against potential recurrences, there is a need to report for routine blood screening. The prostate-specific antigen test can give doctors the first indication that cancer has returned and perhaps even spread. Tools like the MRI or bone scans, however, may not be able to confirm the blood test's findings, however, until a tumor has grown and become more complicated to treat. A relatively new tracer drug used in conjunction with a PET scan, however, can pinpoint a recurrence faster, providing a greater chance for eventual treatment to be successful.

The new scan uses a tracer known as C-11. This tracer is absorbed by prostate cancer cells and "lights up" those cells on a PET scan. The resulting images enable doctors to pinpoint recurrences faster and more effectively, which can result in more effective treatment and may even save lives. Since this new test is costly and the tracer does not have a shelf life, it is not offered as a routine screen following prostate cancer treatment. It is, however, now available when PSA tests raise red flags.

It is estimated that some 160,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the coming year. Men who undergo successful treatments, however, will find the need for return visits crucial. Elevated PSA levels may indicate a return of the disease. Courtesy of the new tracer drug confirming or denying the results is now faster and more reliable.

Men who are concerned about prostate cancer risks should talk with their healthcare providers. Routine screening is critical for early detection and successful treatment of this common form of cancer. Since all men are at risk, this is a conversation that every man should have with a family physician as they reach middle age.

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New PET Scan Helps Catch Recurring Prostate Cancer Faster

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Men who have battled prostate cancer know that the completion of treatment doesn't necessarily mean a person is out of the woods entirely. To safeguard against potential recurrences, there is a need to report for routine blood screening. The prostate-specific antigen test can give doctors the first indication that cancer has returned and perhaps even spread.

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While still very much in the study phase, the new imaging protocol has shown a great deal of promise. A recent study into its effectiveness involved the use of 13 canines that were suspected to have cancer.

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Researchers looking for better methods for detecting cancer faster may have found a new way to supercharge a standard CT scan for doing so. Through the use of a new tracer drug that's placed in an iodine-infused bubble, researchers have been able to pinpoint suspect masses easier and more effectively. The results have even extended to masses that are in difficult-to-diagnose locations, such as the liver.

While still very much in the study phase, the new imaging protocol has shown a great deal of promise. A recent study into its effectiveness involved the use of 13 canines that were suspected to have cancer. Researchers found the contrast agent was able to make lesions more readily visible for a longer period of time than other agents. The findings are especially exciting because they may indicate a better way has been found to confirm or deny the presence of elusive tumors sooner. This, in turn, could lead to faster, more effective interventions down the road.
The new tracer must undergo more testing and trials before it might be made available for use on humans. Researchers, however, are hopeful its effectiveness will stand up to more rigorous scrutiny.

Courtesy of early screening tests and strong awareness campaigns many forms of cancer that were once deemed incredibly deadly have high survival rates today. Advances in testing protocols are a critical piece of the puzzle in beating this disease once and for all. By offering the potential to find tumors in elusive spots more readily, this breakthrough may someday provide a way to more effectively treat a variety of cancers.

Cancer is a concern for everyone. To find out more about personal risks and what can be done to address them, speak with a healthcare provider. It is recommended that everyone, regardless of age, undergo at least a routine annual checkup during which cancer screening may play a role based on personal risks for various forms of this disease.

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New Contract Shows Promise for Spotting Malignancies

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Researchers looking for better methods for detecting cancer faster may have found a new way to supercharge a standard CT scan for doing so. Through the use of a new tracer drug that's placed in an iodine-infused bubble, researchers have been able to pinpoint suspect masses easier and more effectively.

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Faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Imaging allows for an abbreviated exploratory process and the means to identify disease far faster.

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In the past, identifying disease typically came as a result of surgery. When certain symptoms were present in their patient, a doctor would make the call to perform exploratory surgery during which they would be able to determine if disease did in fact exist. Of course, there are always risks associated with surgery of any kind so any time that exploratory surgery was performed, the patient was at risk as the result of being put under anesthesia. Additionally, traditional surgery was invasive and therefore resulted in a certain period of recovery as well as the risk of infection. Not to mention the costs associated with surgery.

Today, imaging technology allows us to "explore" the human body in a much different way. Through imaging procedures such as PET and CT scans, we are able to examine the bones, tissues, and even organs of various regions of the body to determine function and even establish the presence of disease. This is a significant benefit to the medical community and has completely changed the patient experience as well. Some of the benefits associated with imaging include:

There is no longer a need for traditional surgery in many cases. This eliminates any recovery time for patients and this non-invasive procedure means the elimination of the risk of infection associated with the healing process and hospital stays. A reduction of unnecessary surgery is always a good thing for patients.

Reduced costs. Surgery costs money, as does hospitalization. Imaging procedures done in an imaging center means reduced costs for patients and an overall reduction in costs in the healthcare industry as a whole.

Faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Imaging allows for an abbreviated exploratory process and the means to identify disease far faster. This increased speed of diagnosis means that a treatment plan - if necessary - can be put into effect much faster.

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In the past, identifying disease typically came as a result of surgery. When certain symptoms were present in their patient, a doctor would make the call to perform exploratory surgery during which they would be able to determine if disease did in fact exist.

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Why PET Scans Are Important in Cancer Care

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Why PET Scans Are Important in Cancer Care

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A PET scan is as well known as a positron emission tomography scan. This test uses radioactive tracers in a expert dye to allow imaging machines to see inside the body.

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When a doctor orders a PET scan it's not at all uncommon for patients to be a little skittish. After all, this test with a funny sounding name isn't used with as much regularity as common blood tests or X-rays. This test, however, opens the door for better cancer detection and treatment. It can, in fact, prove to be a lifesaver for many.

A PET scan is also known as a positron emission tomography scan. This test uses radioactive tracers in a specialized dye to allow imaging machines to see inside the body. The scan enables doctors to do such things as measure oxygen use, blood flow and even glucose metabolism. This outpatient procedure is also incredibly helpful for enabling doctors to not only detect cancer, but also see inside to gauge its metabolism, if it's spread and if treatments in progress are proving effective at shrinking tumors.

There are a number of reasons why the PET scan is such an important tool in cancer care. This tool can:

Enable doctors to detect cancer earlier, providing a means for more successfully fighting it and stopping it in its tracks.

Help patients avoid the need for more invasive testing procedures. PET scan results, for example, can help patients avoid the need for biopsies if cancer isn't indicated.

Enable doctors to see if cancer has spread and if more aggressive treatments or procedures may be required to save a life.

Help doctors see if ongoing cancer treatments are having the desired results. These images may tell doctors they are on the right track or they can signal the need for taking different actions to fight a tumor that's already been detected.

The PET scan is simply a tool that enables doctors to see inside the body without having to resort to more invasive measures. While it is commonly used in detection and treatment of cancer, the procedure itself is quick, painless and can reveal lifesaving information.

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Why PET Scans Are Important in Cancer Care

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When a doctor orders a PET scan it's not at all uncommon for patients to be a little skittish. After all, this test with a funny sounding name isn't used with as much regularity as common blood tests or X-rays. This test, however, opens the door for better cancer detection and treatment.

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Even as a PET scan isn’t a whole lot different than undergoing an X-ray or a CT scan, there is various prep work that goes along with the prospect.

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If your doctor has ordered a PET scan and you've never had one before, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to expect. This diagnostic procedure with a funny name is no real cause for alarm, but there are a few things you might need to do to get ready.

While a PET scan isn't a whole lot different than undergoing an X-ray or a CT scan, there is some prep work that goes along with the prospect. PET stands for positron emission tomography. The test relies on a tracer dye that's put into the body that enables imaging technology to see inside to show how the body is working.

All in all, PET scans are pretty cool procedures that can show how the body is functioning while making it easier to spot areas for concern. This type of test can help diagnose heart disease, some forms of cancer, circulation issues, tissue damage, and a whole lot more.

So, what do you need to do to get ready? The first thing you'll want to do is make sure you have pre-test instructions from your doctor or the testing facility you plan on using. Chances are those instructions will include a request for you to stop exercising and eating before the test. You may also be asked to limit fluid intake.

Once you arrive at the facility for testing, the tracer will either be injected, inhaled, or swallowed. The method will depend on the test in question and the facility. After that, you'll probably be asked to change into a hospital gown and then the test will begin. This involves lying down on a table as that table is moved through the scanning machine. All told, the scanning generally takes about 30 minutes. If you have claustrophobia, you might want to make the testing facility aware. The test, by the way, is painless and really doesn't take very long in the grand scheme of things.

If your doctor has ordered a PET scan to help diagnose a condition, there's no need for alarm. This relatively fast procedure is painless and delivers a much clearer picture of what's going on inside your body so your doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis to help you out.

Leave a reply →

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If your doctor has ordered a PET scan and you've never had one before, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to expect. This diagnostic procedure with a funny name is no real cause for alarm, but there are a few things you might need to do to get ready.

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Undergoing a CT scan is pretty simple for patients. The test just requires patients to lie down on a table that is slowly moved through a doughnut-shaped tunnel.

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If a doctor orders a CT scan to track a condition or help diagnose one, there's no cause for alarm. This very standard procedure is fast, painless and provides a look inside the body that is much more detailed than a standard X-ray.

CT scans, or computerized tomography, enable doctors to create an image of the inside of the body using information that is obtained from the outside. The test combines a series of X-rays taken from different angles to produce a more complete, cross sectional look inside. CT scans are highly useful for producing images of bones, blood vessels and even soft tissue. A fracture of the bone that a single X-ray may not pick up, for example, can often be detected by a CT scan.

CT scans are used in both emergency and non-emergency situations. In some cases, this test proves to be a lifesaver. Doctors, for example, often request CT scans following serious accidents to confirm or deny internal injury or trauma. This type of test may also be used to help doctors plan out medical treatments, surgeries or radiation treatment when cancer has been diagnosed.

Undergoing a CT scan is pretty simple for patients. The test only requires patients to lie down on a table that is slowly moved through a doughnut-shaped tunnel. The machine takes pictures as the table moves, enabling those images that provide a better look inside the body. CT scans may be performed using contrast agents, which are radioactive tracers that light up areas of concern. Depending on the test being performed, contrast may be added through injection, by mouth or by enema.

If a CT scan has been ordered by a doctor, there's no cause for alarm. This simple test is fast and painless. Its results can prove invaluable in helping doctors treat conditions like broken bones, internal injuries and even cancer.

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If a doctor orders a CT scan to track a condition or help diagnose one, there's no cause for alarm. This very standard procedure is fast, painless and provides a look inside the body that is much more detailed than a standard X-ray.

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PET/CT Scans May Help Determine Mesothelioma Outcomes

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PET/CT Scans May Help Determine Mesothelioma Outcomes

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The use of PET/CT scans prior to treatment has been shown to be helpful in enabling doctors to healthier predict the course of mesothelioma and potentially recognize patients who might require additional

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Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that is estimated to strike only about 3,000 Americans each year. Although rare, this condition continues to be one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to a number of reasons. New research, however, is providing some hope in that physicians may be better able to predict outcomes of treatment. The use of PET/CT scans prior to treatment has been shown to be useful in enabling doctors to better predict the course of mesothelioma and potentially identify patients who might require additional chemotherapy.

The study in question involved data related to more than 200 patients with mesothelioma. Researchers found there were a number of factors that could be associated with shorter patient survival, including age, tumor size and spread. In addition, a number of values that were evidenced using PET/CT scans served as outcome predictors. These factors included such things as metabolize tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer that forms in the pleura of the lungs. This is the tissue that surrounded the lungs. Tumors associated with this form of cancer are known to not respond well to chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. With that in mind, standard treatment tends to involve both procedures and surgery, as well. The study shows that it may be possible to predict the outcome of such treatment before it begins, potentially enabling doctors to make patient-specific adjustments to improve patient outcomes or quality of life.

People who are concerned about mesothelioma or other forms of cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. Doctors can help individuals assess their risks for certain forms of cancer and may be able to advise courses of action to lower those risks. Should mesothelioma be diagnosed, it is important for patients to work closely with their doctors to explore all possible treatment options.

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PET/CT Scans May Help Determine Mesothelioma Outcomes

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Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that is estimated to strike only about 3,000 Americans each year. Although rare, this condition continues to be one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to a number of reasons. New research, however, is providing some hope in that physicians may be better able to predict outcomes of treatment.

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While a PET scan is not a whole lot different than undergoing an X-ray or CT scan, there is some homework that goes along with the outlook. PET represents positron emission tomography.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If your doctor has ordered a PET scan and you've never had one before, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to expect. This diagnostic procedure with a funny name is no real cause for alarm, but there are a few things you might need to do to get ready.

While a PET scan isn't a whole lot different than undergoing an X-ray or a CT scan, there is some prep work that goes along with the prospect. PET stands for positron emission tomography. The test relies on a tracer dye that's put into the body that enables imaging technology to see inside to show how the body is working.

All in all, PET scans are pretty cool procedures that can show how the body is functioning while making it easier to spot areas for concern. This type of test can help diagnose heart disease, some forms of cancer, circulation issues, tissue damage, and a whole lot more.

So, what do you need to do to get ready? The first thing you'll want to do is make sure you have pre-test instructions from your doctor or the testing facility you plan on using. Chances are those instructions will include a request for you to stop exercising and eating before the test. You may also be asked to limit fluid intake.

Once you arrive at the facility for testing, the tracer will either be injected, inhaled, or swallowed. The method will depend on the test in question and the facility. After that, you'll probably be asked to change into a hospital gown and then the test will begin. This involves lying down on a table as that table is moved through the scanning machine. All told, the scanning generally takes about 30 minutes. If you have claustrophobia, you might want to make the testing facility aware. The test, by the way, is painless and really doesn't take very long in the grand scheme of things.

If your doctor has ordered a PET scan to help diagnose a condition, there's no need for alarm. This relatively fast procedure is painless and delivers a much clearer picture of what's going on inside your body so your doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis to help you out.

Leave a reply →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your doctor has ordered a PET scan and you've never had one before, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to expect. This diagnostic procedure with a funny name is no real cause for alarm, but there are a few things you might need to do to get ready.

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Computed Tomography - Alternative to Colonoscopies

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Computed Tomography - Alternative to Colonoscopies

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One of the ways in which the CT image has changed the course of the diagnosis is with regard to colorectal disease.

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Computerized imaging in the form of CT (computerized topography) scans provides a way for medical teams to explore the inner depths of the body without having to put a patient through lengthy, painful, costly exploratory surgery. In fact, imaging has changed the way that we are able to detect and diagnose a variety of diseases. This ability to offer an alternative to traditional methods of investigation into the inner workings of the body has saved patients time, money, and a considerable amount of discomfort. Plus, if disease is confirmed it is done so quickly - providing patients and their doctors much more lead time in determining an appropriate course of treatment and implementing that treatment.

One of the ways in which CT imaging has changed the course of diagnosis is with regard to colorectal disease. Traditionally, screenings for colorectal cancer, as well as evidence of polyps (abnormal growths that can signify the presence of or potential for colon cancer) is the colonoscopy. During a traditional colonoscopy, an endoscope is inserted into the colon while the patient is under sedation, so that the inside of the colon can be examined. Now, advanced imaging has provided another option for screenings through the computed tomographic colonography or CTC.

During a CTC, images are taken of the colon wall which allows doctors to determine if polyps exist. It has been shown that such imaging is just as effective as colonoscopies for detection of polyps and allows for a few added benefits including:

There is no need for the patient to be sedated for a CTC scan. This is a painless procedure for which patients can be fully awake, thereby eliminating the need for sedatives or recovery time.

There are no complications associated with the CTC procedure. Colonoscopy is a highly effective scanning procedure but there are risks associated with it. In addition to the potential for a reaction to the sedative itself, there is also the risk for perforation to the colon wall as well as subsequent bleeding from any location from which tissue is removed for examination.

A CTC is just one more option for staying on top of colorectal health and ensuring that there is no presence of disease or any other conditions about which you and your doctor should be aware.

Leave a reply →

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Computed Tomography Colonography Offers Alternative to Colonoscopies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Computerized imaging in the form of CT (computerized topography) scans provides a way for medical teams to explore the inner depths of the body without having to put a patient through lengthy, painful, costly exploratory surgery. In fact, imaging has changed the way that we are able to detect and diagnose a variety of diseases.

# data[].attributes.body
CT scans involve the use of three-dimensional imaging technology to see inside the body and measure the narrowing of the heart's arteries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When heart disease is suspected, confirming a diagnosis and moving forward with measures to slow or stop its progression can make all the difference in the world for increasing chances for longevity. While functional stress tests are the traditional method for detecting heart conditions, CT scans have proven themselves as effective, a new study reveals.

CT scans involve the use of three-dimensional imaging technology to see inside the body and gauge the narrowing of heart arteries. Functional tests, such as a stress test, rely on other techniques, including ultrasound, to do the same. While both can lead to an important diagnosis, CT scans tend to be the safer alternative, researchers have concluded. These tests rely on a lower dose of radiation than the alternatives. This is an important fact since radiation has been linked with the development of cancer.

If your doctor has recommended a CT scan to gauge the condition of the heart and its arteries, you can rest assured this simple procedure will be relatively fast and pain-free. To undergo the procedure, patients are asked to lie down on a table. This table is moved through a ring that takes the images. Contrast may or may not be used to help doctors gauge the heart's function.

All told, the procedure only takes a short amount of time and can provide doctors the glimpse inside the body needed to make a proper diagnosis. The results are generally available pretty fast and give doctors the information needed to protect their patients from the worst heart disease can dish out.

Heart disease is a serious condition that claims many lives each year. Detecting it before a heart attack occurs can enable proper measures to be taken to prevent this eventuality. A CT scan is an important test that can outline the need for evasive action early and effectively.

Leave a reply →

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When heart disease is suspected, confirming a diagnosis and moving forward with measures to slow or stop its progression can make all the difference in the world for increasing chances for longevity. While functional stress tests are the traditional method for detecting heart conditions, CT scans have proven themselves as effective, a new study reveals.

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Simple CT scans with low-dose radiation have often been recommended as routine screening tools for older people with a long history of smoking.

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With an estimated 158,000 American deaths caused by lung cancer each year, this form of cancer is among the deadliest. Gaining an edge through early detection and rapid treatment can give those who develop the disease a much more positive outcome. While X-rays and other screening tools can be useful, researchers are adding to the growing body of evidence that CT scans deliver an edge in detection.

Simple low-dose radiation CT scans have been strongly recommended as routine screening tools for people who are older and have a long history of smoking. These tests, as it turns out, are also quite effective in helping detect lung cancer in middle-aged people who have HIV and a history of smoking. To ascertain the effectiveness of CT scans in this unique patient population, researchers conducted a study involving nearly 500 people. Each participant had HIV infection, a history of smoking and were middle-aged. Scans were able to find lung cancer in nine patients, six happened to be in the earlier, more treatable phases.

Lung cancer is of particular concern in the HIV-positive population. It turns out this form of cancer is among the most frequently and deadly non-AIDS cancer found in this population group. Gaining an edge on early detection may help improve the chances for survival, researchers say.

An estimated 224,000 new lung cancer cases are diagnosed across the United States each year. Early detection is considered critical for giving people a fighting chance to stop this disease in its tracks. While CT scans are now often used as screening tools for high-risk patients, their general use has not yet been adopted. As this study shows, the benefits of CT scan accuracy may very well extend to other high risk populations.

People who are at-risk for lung cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. Early screening can lead to lifesaving treatments. Those who wish to lower their risk for developing this disease will find quitting smoking can be one of the most important steps.

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CT Scans Provide Edge in Lung Cancer Detection

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With an estimated 158,000 American deaths caused by lung cancer each year, this form of cancer is among the deadliest. Gaining an edge through early detection and rapid treatment can give those who develop the disease a much more positive outcome.

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New Test For Better Breast Cancer Insights

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New Test For Better Breast Cancer Insights

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Researchers believe they have a solution to help women with dense breast tissue. Known as molecular breast imaging, or MBI for short, the test is able to more easily detect cancerous cells in dense breast tissue.

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Mammograms have long been viewed as a critical step in helping doctors detect and treat breast cancer. Their use on a routine basis, in fact, has been credited with saving thousands of lives. This test, however, is not always as accurate as clinicians would like it to be, especially when women happen to have dense breast tissue. When that is the case, generally reliable mammograms become much less so. Tumors that are present may go undetected as dense tissue makes it harder to see abnormalities that might be cause for concern.

Researchers believe they have a solution to help women with dense breast tissue. Known as molecular breast imaging, or MBI for short, the test is able to more readily detect cancerous cells in dense breast tissue.

MBI involves the use of a special radioactive tracer that is able to "light up" areas of cancer growth inside the breast. Once the tracer is injected into a patient, a nuclear medicine scanner is used to take pictures of the breasts. While still under study, a number of trials have shown that MBI offers a great deal of promise. One study found the test was four times more likely to find cancer in women with dense breast tissue than mammograms.

An estimated 246,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. About 40,000 women die from this disease. Early screening tools such as mammograms have given women an edge in beating this disease by enabling detection in its first phases. While mammograms remain the gold standard in early detection, this test is not reliable for all women. The new MBI may offer hope to those who happen to have dense breast tissue.

All women are at risk for the development of breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes. With that in mind, it is strongly suggested women speak with their healthcare providers about routine screening. Mammograms are generally introduced in mid-life, but high risk factors may necessitate screening begins at younger ages.

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New Test May Offer Better Breast Cancer Insights for Some Women

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Mammograms have long been viewed as a critical step in helping doctors detect and treat breast cancer. Their use on a routine basis, in fact, has been credited with saving thousands of lives. This test, however, is not always as accurate as clinicians would like it to be, especially when women happen to have dense breast tissue.

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A recent follow-up study of nearly 60,000 patients in an effort to reduce the number of deaths attributed to lung cancer. The researchers of this study concluded that non-solid lung nodules of any size can be followed successfully using annual repeat CT scanners.

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Patients who present with nonsolid lung nodules are likely to find that biopsies and the potential for more invasive surgery are in their future. Although these typically asymptomatic growths in the lung are not always a cause for concern, their potential to become so may have some doctors rushing to the conclusion invasive intervention is required to prevent or stop lung cancer in its tracks. Researchers are finding that annual repeat CT scans may help prevent the use of unnecessary invasive actions.

A recent study tracked nearly 60,000 patients in an effort to reduce the number of deaths attributed to lung cancer. Researchers in this study concluded that nonsolid lung nodules of any size could be successfully followed using annual repeat CT scans. These scans enabled doctors to find any cancers that developed at early stage while preventing those who didn't require biopsies or invasive surgery from having to undergo this type of treatment in the first place. After all, many nonsolid nodules turn out to be non-invasive growths often caused by infections or other relatively mundane sources. Another large study came to the same basic conclusions.

Keeping track of nonsolid nodules is important, researchers involved in the studies noted. These nodules do have the potential in some cases to develop changes that are associated with higher risk forms of invasive cancer. By using CT scans annually, doctors can track any changes in size or character of the nodules without having to make a patient endure a surgical procedure.

People who are diagnosed with nonsolid lung nodules are urged to speak with their healthcare providers about the need for biopsies, surgery or other interventions. In many cases, simply tracking any development through the use of low-dose CT scans may serve to help patients avoid invasive interventions while enabling careful tracking for the potential of lung cancer's development.

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Low-Dose CT Scans Can Help Some Avoid Unnecessary Lung Biopsies

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Patients who present with nonsolid lung nodules are likely to find that biopsies and the potential for more invasive surgery are in their future. Although these typically asymptomatic growths in the lung are not always a cause for concern, their potential to become so may have some doctors rushing to the conclusion invasive intervention is required to prevent or stop lung cancer in its tracks.

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Recent studies have shown that the increased risk of cancer associated with CT scans are very insignificant, especially if overdose is not involved in the equation.

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Receiving a positive diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most terrifying things for a person to endure. Even when the cancer is considered highly treatable, the prospects of surgery, chemo, radiation and the potential side effects that may go along with them can be daunting. Given all of that, it's not surprising most people do what they can to lower their personal cancer risks. From eating right and exercising to avoiding exposure to radiation, there are many ways to help lower personal cancer risks. Skipping a CT scan that has been ordered by a doctor isn't necessarily one of them though.

CT scans, or computerized tomography scans, provide doctors with a much clearer picture inside the body than many other available tests, including X-rays. CT scans can be critical for diagnosing illness and disease, but they do so by drawing on ionizing radiation. This radiation can damage tissue in the body and may increase risk of cancer. This fact has some worried that the amount of radiation involved in a CT scan and its potential to increase cancer risks.

Technically speaking, radiation exposure can cause cancer. In regard to CTs, the risks tend to hinge on the strength of the radiation dose used and the number of scans a patient is exposed to. Recent studies have shown that elevated risks of cancer associated with CT scans are very negligible, especially if overuse is not involved in the equation. When a CT scan is ordered to diagnose a serious illness or injury or is required in its treatment, experts recommend patients set aside any fears as the benefits are very likely to far outweigh any associated risks.

Patients who are asked to undergo CT scans will find very low doses of radiation are used. Even so, they are urged to find out why the scan is needed and to ask whether alternatives are available. Use of the CT scan when necessary has been deemed important, unnecessary exposure has not.

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Receiving a positive diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most terrifying things for a person to endure. Even when the cancer is considered highly treatable, the prospects of surgery, chemo, radiation and the potential side effects that may go along with them can be daunting.

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Careful Monitoring For Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

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Careful Monitoring For Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

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Researchers are finding, however, that DCIS is adequately addressed through other means excision and significantly increases the chances of a woman developing a more invasive form of breast cancer within a decade.

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Ductal carcinoma in situ is a very early stage breast cancer that is considered non-invasive. This form of the disease is highly treatable and has a very low mortality rate as compared to other forms of cancer. Researchers are finding, however, that DCIS that is inadequately addressed through excision and other means greatly increases the chances a woman will develop a more invasive form of breast cancer within a decade. The increased risk, in fact, is believed by researchers to be a whopping 50 percent.

Those findings come from a recent study that was meant to delve into the DCIS question. Some medical professionals have been concerned that this form of breast cancer was being over-diagnosed and over-treated. Some have suggested that DCIS should only be tracked through the use of mammography with action taken if, and when, it becomes necessary. The research, however, finds that the watchful waiting approach could be dangerous. Other studies have shown that recurrences after DCIS tend to present with more advanced forms of breast disease, meaning proper treatment at the onset can prove critical.

An estimated 61,000 American women are diagnosed with DCIS each year. At this stage, breast cancer has not spread beyond the ducts and is rather treatable using a variety of different options. Women who are diagnosed with this form of cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers to review all potential treatment options. Making sure the initial cancer is properly addressed can greatly reduce the risk of recurrence down the road.

More invasive forms of breast cancer strike an estimated 246,000 American women each year. Some 40,000 die from this disease annually. All women should speak with their doctors about routine screening for breast cancer. While mammograms are generally recommended in later life, other screening options, such as self-examinations, should begin much sooner.

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Ductal carcinoma in situ is a very early stage breast cancer that is considered non-invasive. This form of the disease is highly treatable and has a very low mortality rate as compared to other forms of cancer.

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New Test To Detect The Recurrence Of Prostate Cancer Easily

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New Test To Detect The Recurrence Of Prostate Cancer Easily

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Axumin is a tracer agent used in PET studies. This medicine has been shown to help physicians determine the location of recurrent prostate cancer.

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Men who have undergone prostate cancer treatments may find the disease makes a return. While this is a very rare occurrence courtesy of highly effective treatment protocols, it does happen in some cases. For men who have undergone invasive procedures in the past, the suspicion of recurrence can open the door on the potential for more invasive actions to detect and stop the recurrence in its tracks. The U.S. FDA, however, recently approved a new agent that may take the invasiveness out of the diagnosis process at least.

Axumin is a tracer agent used in PET scans. This medication has been proven to help doctors determine the location of recurrent prostate cancer. It can also help determine if suspected prostate cancer is really present as a recurrence. In the past, imaging tests were not highly effective at detecting recurrence in men who presented with low prostate-specific antigen levels. That opened the door for the need to biopsy to make a definitive determination. While biopsies are extremely beneficial, they are quite invasive and do come with their own share of risks.

Axumin's approval came after two separate studies showed the tracer drug's effectiveness and safety. While the use of Axumin in PET scans may not completely remove the need for biopsies in diagnosing and treating recurrent prostate cancers, the drug may help men avoid unnecessary additional testing.

It is estimated that 180,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. While many men will find they have low-risk forms of the disease that are very straightforward to treat, that is not always the case. Recurrence of aggressive prostate cancers is a real concern for men and their doctors. Being able to more readily detect recurrence may open the door sooner on potentially lifesaving treatments.

Men who are concerned about prostate cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. Early detection of this disease can lead to a host of treatment options.

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New Scan Can Detect Recurrent Prostate Cancer More Readily

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Men who have undergone prostate cancer treatments may find the disease makes a return. While this is a very rare occurrence courtesy of highly effective treatment protocols, it does happen in some cases. For men who have undergone invasive procedures in the past, the suspicion of recurrence can open the door on the potential for more invasive actions to detect and stop the recurrence in its tracks.

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ACR accreditation is the gold standard for imaging facilities across the country. PET / CT of Las Colinas, providing our patients and their physicians with access to testing procedures highest quality is something we take very seriously.

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At PET/CT of Las Colinas, providing our patients and their physicians with access to the highest quality testing procedures is something we take very seriously. While our state-of-the-art technology ensures our imaging remains on the cutting edge, our dedication to excellence goes far beyond the machines we employ in our practice. That's why we are proud to hold and maintain American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation for the types of testing procedures we offer our patients.

ACR accreditation is the gold standard for imaging facilities across the nation. ACR has operated a rigorous program meant to measure the performance and quality of care of testing facilities since 1987. All told, more than 35,000 facilities across the country, specializing in 10 different imaging modalities, hold this highly coveted accreditation.

In order to receive ACR accreditation, imaging facilities must pass a stringent inspection into the quality of care delivered and the expertise of staff members in the fields of nuclear medicine, imaging and radiology. The organization looks at such factors as quality and accuracy of images and corresponding data, staff experience, continuing education commitment and other measurements to make its accreditation determinations. This highly coveted credentialing is required by all providers that bill for nuclear medicine and PET scanning under Medicare Part B. It's also a must-have for facilities that want to ensure their technology, procedures and expertise levels remain on or above par with standard practices in the field today.

PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to providing patients with the highest-level of care available. Accurate, reliable imaging is the foundation on which successful treatment plans are formulated. It is also the lynchpin in helping physicians ensure clean bills of health are truly clean before they are delivered. By maintaining ACR accreditation, PET/CT of Las Colinas demonstrates dedication to delivering nothing less than excellence in everything we do.

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At PET/CT of Las Colinas, providing our patients and their physicians with access to the highest quality testing procedures is something we take very seriously. While our state-of-the-art technology ensures our imaging remains on the cutting edge, our dedication to excellence goes far beyond the machines we employ in our practice.

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Wanting to gauge the accuracy of the PET-CT versus the standard CT and other staging methods, researchers recently conducted a trial that compared staging results using different techniques.

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An estimated 9,000 Americans are diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease each year. About 1,000 die from it annually. This cancer of the blood, although rare, can often be treated when it is caught early and the progression of the disease is well understood. Accurate staging is simply critical for ensuring the right form of treatment is recommended and pursued.

The advancements presented by the positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan have been employed in the staging of this disease. The technology, as it turns out, is providing itself highly effective for staging the disease. The accuracy rate, in fact, has given rise to a recommended change in the international guidelines for staging this disease. The desire is to see PET-CT replace the standard CT entirely.

Wanting to gauge the accuracy of the PET-CT versus the standard CT and other staging methods, researchers recently conducted a trial that compared staging results using different techniques. The PET-CT scan, as it turned out, was highly effective at delivering accurate staging results when checked against other methods. The bottom line is that researchers agreed with the benefits of using PET-CT scans to help stage Hodgkin.

PET-CT scans combine the best of both of these standard diagnostic procedures. The resulting images offer clinicians greater insights into the inner workings of a patient's body to detect and assess injury and illnesses, such as cancer.

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other pharmaceutical interventions. This blood-based form of cancer can strike children and adults alike. Advances in treatments have increased the survival rates for this disease over the past few years. At present, the five-year survival rate is about 85 percent. Staging can impact the chances of survival as can a patient's age, among other factors. People who are diagnosed with Hodgkin disease should speak with their healthcare provider about all staging and treatment recommendations.

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PET-CT Effective For Staging Hodgkin Lymphoma

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An estimated 9,000 Americans are diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease each year. About 1,000 die from it annually. This cancer of the blood, although rare, can often be treated when it is caught early and the progression of the disease is well understood. Accurate staging is simply critical for ensuring the right form of treatment is recommended and pursued.

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A new study, however, has found that PET/CT scans can effectively remove the need for surgery in those who responded well to advance treatment.

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For the estimated 50,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year, surgery is a likely part of the treatment process. A new study is shedding light on a way to help some patients avoid this extra, and often dangerous, step in the treatment process.

When head and neck cancers are diagnosed, patients typically undergo non-surgical treatment first. Chemotherapy and/or radiation are used to shrink and potentially kill off cancer cells first. Once the rounds of treatment are completed, surgery takes place to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed. If they have, they are taken out during the procedure. A new study, however, has found that PET/CT scans can effectively remove the need for surgery in those who responded well to advance treatment.

The study in question involved some 500 patients with head and neck cancers. Of those involved in the study, PET/CT scans showed that the imaging process was highly successful in determining which patents truly needed surgery and which ones did not have persistent cancer. Roughly 20 percent of the patients required surgery. The other 80 percent did not. Researchers found the survival rates among those who went straight in for surgery and those who underwent scans first was roughly the same.

Surgical follow ups on head and neck cancer treatment can be rather risky - especially if they are not truly required. Complications can include disfigurement and nerve damage, among others. The procedure also requires about a week in the hospital during the recovery process.

By providing a way to see inside the body, PET/CT scans may spare head and neck cancer patients from unnecessary surgical procedures. How soon the findings will result in a possible change in protocol remains unclear. In the meantime, patients diagnosed with any form of cancer are urged to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. Patients should also understand the potential risks and benefits of any recommended treatment.

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PET/CT Scans May Cut Surgery Out of the Cancer Routine

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For the estimated 50,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year, surgery is a likely part of the treatment process. A new study is shedding light on a way to help some patients avoid this extra, and often dangerous, step in the treatment process.

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The recommendation for PET use in aftercare is to reserve the test for cases where a true need arrives. Patients should be first screened using a CT scan.

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For the thousands of patients diagnosed with lung and esophageal cancer, routine follow-ups to make certain recurrence hasn't occurred will become a part of their routine. Researchers are finding, however, that one test's use should be carefully considered to keep unnecessary procedures off the table. PET scans are often used in the diagnosis process, but their use is limited in the follow-up period by many insurers for a reason. These tests are simply not needed on a routine basis in follow-up care unless other tests raise alarm bells, researchers say. That said, PET scans can prove critical if symptoms indicate their use.

PET scans, or positron emission tomography scans, use radioactive tracers to enable doctors to see inside the body. The images produced can quickly and effectively help doctors visualize a recurrence of cancer so they can take appropriate action if necessary. While commonly used in the diagnostic process, the scans are limited in use in follow-ups by Medicare for good reasons.

Researchers have been looking at the potential overuse of PET technology despite recommendations to avoid doing so. What they've found is that in most cases the guidelines to limit use are being followed. Even so, some medical facilities do overuse the test even when patients are asymptomatic.

The recommendation for PET use in aftercare is to reserve the test for cases where a true need arrives. Patients should be first screened using a CT scan. If concerns arise in this imagining test, the PET should be ordered. Researchers found, in fact, that two-year survival rates were the same for patients who went to high-use hospitals and those who went to low-PET use hospitals.

While PET scans offer incredible insights into the development of cancer, their use is meant to be limited in aftercare. These costly tests can and do save lives, but that doesn't mean they are necessary on a routine basis once cancer has been treated.

People who are being treated for cancer are urged to discuss all tests and procedures with their healthcare providers. While screening tools are critical in aftercare, some procedures should be limited to times when symptoms truly indicate their need.

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PET Scans Are Critical In Cancer Aftercare

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For the thousands of patients diagnosed with lung and esophageal cancer, routine follow-ups to make certain recurrence hasn't occurred will become a part of their routine. Researchers are finding, however, that one test's use should be carefully considered to keep unnecessary procedures off the table.

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PET (positron emission tomography) scans are generally fairly simple to endure and don’t necessarily take very long. There is a need to stay still during the test, but the procedure itself doesn’t hurt.

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People whose doctors suspect they have certain illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, may be told they need to go in for a PET scan. This instruction can be a bit intimidating for those who are unsure what to expect. After all, the name sounds just a little bit mysterious. Despite that, there's no reason for concern. PET (positron emission tomography) scans are generally fairly simple to endure and don't necessarily take very long. The time spent, however, can offer doctors tremendous insights about what is going on inside the body.

A PET scan is nothing more than an imaging tool like an X-ray. This tool, however, can see deeper inside the body, often on the cellular level, to enable doctors to more easily diagnose such conditions as some forms of cancer, heart disease, seizures and more. This is achieved through the use of a radioactive tracer dye that is typically injected into the arm or drunk through a solution prior to the test being formed. This process can take about an hour or so to ensure the tracer has been properly absorbed by the body.

Once the tracer has been given time to work, the test begins. Patients typically get to lay down on a table that is moved into a PET machine. There is a need to stay still during the test, but the procedure itself doesn't hurt. Patients may notice some funny noises during the procedure, but that's just the machine doing its job.

After the PET scan is performed, clinicians will read the scans and help the doctor make his or her diagnosis. Additional tests may be required, depending on the outcome. All in all, there's not much to PET scans on the patient's end. The procedure is relatively fast and offers tremendous insights that can help doctors more accurately diagnose a host of conditions without having to actually go inside the body to see inside it.

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People whose doctors suspect they have certain illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, may be told they need to go in for a PET scan. This instruction can be a bit intimidating for those who are unsure what to expect. After all, the name sounds just a little bit mysterious.

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The study in question used a radioactive traders known as F-18-DCFBC. This method, researchers found, was much more effective than all other detection methods in use at present.

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Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States find their disease is highly treatable. In some cases, they might even be told no intervention is required at all. There are cases, however, when aggressive forms of the disease threaten a man's life courtesy of a propensity for the cancerous cells to spread to other parts of the body. In these instances, accurate diagnosis of the more aggressive disease is a must. This is where researchers are finding that one particular form of imaging sets itself apart from others. A PET/CT scan using a specific tracer more readily targets prostate-specific membrane antigen, making it more reliable to image metastatic prostate cancer.

The study in question used a radioactive traders known as F-18-DCFBC. This method, researchers found, was much more effective than all other detection methods in use at present. To arrive at those findings, researchers followed patients who underwent different forms of diagnostic imaging. They found that PET/CT scans using the particular tracer detected a larger number of lesions that other diagnostic methods. The PET/CT scans found 592 positive lesions versus about 520 detected by other methods.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer among American males. It is estimated that more than 180,000 new cases will be diagnosed in America this year alone. An estimated 26,000 men will die from the disease. While prostate cancer has a relatively high survival rate, better, more accurate diagnostic procedures could improve the numbers even more, researchers say.

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer should speak with their healthcare providers about the condition and tests used in their cases. More aggressive forms of the disease are relatively rare, but ruling them out is important. Men are also advised to begin speaking with their doctors about routine prostate cancer screening as they approach their 50s. Early detection of this disease can lead to life-saving treatments.

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One Test Stands Above Others In Finding Metastatic Prostate Cancer

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Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States find their disease is highly treatable. In some cases, they might even be told no intervention is required at all. There are cases, however, when aggressive forms of the disease threaten a man's life courtesy of a propensity for the cancerous cells to spread to other parts of the body.

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Read news and articles in the imaging and radiology industry as well as PET technology and imaging that help you detect disease and treatment options.

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Read the blog of PET / CT of Las Colinas which is an independently owned imaging and scanning center dedicated to serving the community's evolving imaging needs.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Treating T-cell Lymphoma

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Treating T-cell Lymphoma

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Fighting cancer development requires the ability to stop all cancer cells in their tracks. While this test is no guarantee for positive results, it can help improve outcomes by better guiding treatment actions, researchers say.

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People who are diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma are likely to find they are asked to undergo a wide variety of testing procedures. These tests are required to help doctors confirm the condition, stage the disease and even guide appropriate treatment actions. One of the tests some researchers say should be used during the treatment process especially is a PET/CT scan.

T-cell lymphoma is known to have a rather poor treatment outcome. While chemotherapy can help in some cases, other patients are likely to see a recurrence of the disease. Recurrences can prove especially difficult to treat and may lead to mortality. With that in mind, doctors have been seeing a way to better assess tumors, gauge reaction to treatment and gain more clear insights on prognosis. The PET/CT scan offers a superior way to achieve these goals, researchers say.

A positron emission tomography-computed tomography analysis provides a more in-depth, accurate look inside the body to help doctors see how tumors respond to treatments. This test is beneficial during the actual treatment process and also offers strong prognostic insights. Studies have given rise to the recommendation that this test be performed during treatment and following a full course. The insights can help doctors adjust treatment, if necessary, and may help them make the determination to introduce other options if post-treatment scans aren't promising.

Fighting cancer development requires the ability to stop all cancer cells in their tracks. T-cell lymphoma has proven to be a difficult form of the disease to properly gauge during treatment. Routine PET/CT scan use, however, may better guide oncologists as patients go through chemo and other treatment options. While this test is no guarantee for positive results, it can help improve outcomes by better guiding treatment actions, researchers say.
People who are diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma and other forms of cancer should discuss all diagnostic and treatment procedures with their healthcare providers. The best recommendations will be based on unique case specifics.

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PET/CT Scans Have Value In Treating T-cell Lymphoma

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People who are diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma are likely to find they are asked to undergo a wide variety of testing procedures. These tests are required to help doctors confirm the condition, stage the disease and even guide appropriate treatment actions.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - CT Scans, X-Rays Are Safe Researchers Say

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - CT Scans, X-Rays Are Safe Researchers Say

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CT scans and X-rays do give off low doses of radiation when they are in use. The level of exposure, researchers say, is very, very small.

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Doctors and patients who are afraid that CT scans and X-rays may open the door for increased cancer risks can breathe a sigh of relief. Researchers say there is absolutely no evidence that low-level radiation used in standard medical imaging, causes cancer. In fact, they are taking issue with a 70-year-old model that is still used to estimate cancer risks from low-dose radiation even though that model is not supported by empirical evidence, they contend.

CT scans and X-rays do give off low doses of radiation when they are in use. The level of exposure, researchers say, is very, very small. It's small enough, in fact, the human body has the ability to repair any damage sustained. The model used today in making recommendations about radiation exposure, however, assumes that no level of radiation is safe. This assumption comes even though radiation is also found naturally occurring in the environment.

To back up their claims, researchers replicated experiments used in creating the original "no safe level" recommendations. The results were not the same, giving credence to the idea that low-dose radiation does not increase cancer risk.

The bottom line, researchers say, is that CT scans, X-rays and other low-dose radiation diagnostic tools are valuable for diagnosis and treating disease and illness. Avoiding their use out of fear of cancer risk may open the door for serious problems if diseases and injury are allowed to go undiagnosed and improperly treated.
People who are advised to report for X-rays and other testing procedures will find these tests are fast, painless and do not pose any significant risks. If there are concerns about why they are being ordered, patients are urged to discuss the topic with their healthcare provider. The good news, however, is that those who have undergone X-rays and CTs in the past don't have to worry that the practice has put them at higher risk for developing cancer.

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CT Scans, X-Rays Are Safe Researchers Say

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Doctors and patients who are afraid that CT scans and X-rays may open the door for increased cancer risks can breathe a sigh of relief. Researchers say there is absolutely no evidence that low-level radiation used in standard medical imaging, causes cancer.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Ultra-Low Dose CT Scans Offer Exceptional Insights

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Ultra-Low Dose CT Scans Offer Exceptional Insights

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CT scans are vital diagnostic tools frequently used to detect orthopedic issues that standard X-rays cannot pick up. Surgeons rely on these scans to help them see internal bleeding, fractures and other issues that must be addressed. While incredibly beneficial for diagnosing concerns, this type of scan does expose patients to radiation. In an effort to reduce the exposure, researchers recently tested a protocol that draws on an ultra-low dose of radiation to create diagnostic images.

The new protocol requires about 14 times less radiation than a standard CT scan. The results of the study showed the diagnostic abilities diminished very little. A 98 percent accuracy was found in diagnosing fractures while an 89 percent accurate rate was achieved diagnosing patients without a fracture. The rate was similar to standard CT scans.

Although still under study, the new protocol may be helpful in assisting physicians in lowering radiation exposure when concerns exist. This is especially so in young children and young adults. While researchers agree the cancer risk posed by CT radiation exposure is very minimal, the issue is still a concern for many. Studies have produced conflicting results as to the increased cancer risk posed by scans. Even a slight risk can add to patient concern, which is why the new protocol, called REDUCTION, which stands for reduced effective dose using computed tomography in orthopaedic injury, was developed.

How soon REDUCTION might be used on a widespread basis remains unclear. The effectiveness of the results, however, shows that the possibility to limit exposure while still gaining diagnostic benefits does exist.

People who are concerned about any testing procedures ordered by their doctors are urged to discuss them directly with their healthcare provider. Today's diagnostic procedures offer critical looks inside the body to diagnose injury and illness. These tools enable doctors to see inside in ways that were only once achievable through surgery. While radiation is used to obtain the necessary images, the general consensus is that exposure risks are extremely minimal.

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Ultra-Low Dose CT Scans Offer Exceptional Insights

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CT scans are vital diagnostic tools frequently used to detect orthopedic issues that standard X-rays cannot pick up. Surgeons rely on these scans to help them see internal bleeding, fractures and other issues that must be addressed. While incredibly beneficial for diagnosing concerns, this type of scan does expose patients to radiation.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Post-Treatment PET/CT Scans

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Post-Treatment PET/CT Scans

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PET/CT scans are highly beneficial diagnostic tools that help doctors see inside the body without the need for surgery. People diagnosed with head and neck cancers are urged to discuss all testing and treatment options with their healthcare providers.

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Patients who have undergone salvage re-irradiation for head or neck cancer may find a PET/CT scan ordered after treatment. This simple testing procedure can provide doctors a great deal of insights into the success of treatments while delivering prognostic value, as well.

To determine just how effective the PET/CT scan was in regard to determining prognosis, a recent study was conducted. The study drew on data from 54 patients with head or neck cancers. Of those patients, 30 percent had negative post-treatment scans and 70 percent had positive scans. At the median follow-up of 55 months, 44 patients had died. Among those who had negative scans, the overall survival rate was 38.7 months. This compared to 9.4 months for those with positive scans.

While the PET/CT scan as a follow up may not offer a reliable look at overall outcome, researchers say the test does have a great deal of value. The positive scans were found to have a very high accuracy rate in ruling out long-term survival. While that news is a double-edged sword of sorts, it does enable doctors to better inform patients and their loved ones of what to expect; making the findings quite valuable.

PET/CT scans are highly beneficial diagnostic tools that help doctors see inside the body without the need for surgery. This combination test is commonly used in the overall treatment of a variety of cancers. While the outcomes in regard to head and neck cancers showed a high mortality rate even after salvage radiation, the insights provided may help patients better plan for the future.

People diagnosed with head and neck cancers are urged to discuss all testing and treatment options with their healthcare providers. The types of treatment and the kinds of tests ordered may vary greatly based on such factors as tumor location, stage and aggressiveness. A doctor familiar with a person's unique case will be best positioned to offer treatment advice and information for an individual.

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Post-Treatment PET/CT Scans Offer Prognostic Value in Some Cancers

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Patients who have undergone salvage re-irradiation for head or neck cancer may find a PET/CT scan ordered after treatment. This simple testing procedure can provide doctors a great deal of insights into the success of treatments while delivering prognostic value, as well.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - ACR Accredited Imaging Specialists

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - ACR Accredited Imaging Specialists

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PET / CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of care available. imaging is accurate and reliable basis on which treatment plans are formulated successfully.

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At PET/CT of Las Colinas, providing our patients and their physicians with access to the highest quality testing procedures is something we take very seriously. While our state-of-the-art technology ensures our imaging remains on the cutting edge, our dedication to excellence goes far beyond the machines we employ in our practice. That's why we are proud to hold and maintain American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation for the types of testing procedures we offer our patients.

ACR accreditation is the gold standard for imaging facilities across the nation. ACR has operated a rigorous program meant to measure the performance and quality of care of testing facilities since 1987. All told, more than 35,000 facilities across the country, specializing in 10 different imaging modalities, hold this highly coveted accreditation.

In order to receive ACR accreditation, imaging facilities must pass a stringent inspection into the quality of care delivered and the expertise of staff members in the fields of nuclear medicine, imaging and radiology. The organization looks at such factors as quality and accuracy of images and corresponding data, staff experience, continuing education commitment and other measurements to make its accreditation determinations. This highly coveted credentialing is required by all providers that bill for nuclear medicine and PET scanning under Medicare Part B. It's also a must-have for facilities that want to ensure their technology, procedures and expertise levels remain on or above par with standard practices in the field today.

PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to providing patients with the highest-level of care available. Accurate, reliable imaging is the foundation on which successful treatment plans are formulated. It is also the lynchpin in helping physicians ensure clean bills of health are truly clean before they are delivered. By maintaining ACR accreditation, PET/CT of Las Colinas demonstrates dedication to delivering nothing less than excellence in everything we do.

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At PET/CT of Las Colinas, providing our patients and their physicians with access to the highest quality testing procedures is something we take very seriously. While our state-of-the-art technology ensures our imaging remains on the cutting edge, our dedication to excellence goes far beyond the machines we employ in our practice.

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Research has shown that CT scans, used in moderation, pose little risk. Patients who are asked to go in for CT scans will find the procedure is relatively quick and involves no pain.

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Every year thousands of patients are sent to diagnostic imaging centers to undergo a simple computed tomography, or CT, scan. This procedure essentially creates three-dimensional images of the inside of the body using hundreds of X-rays taken all at once. Heralded for its ability to help doctors see inside the body at things that were once only visible through biopsy or surgery, the procedure is quite common, quite painless and quite useful. Despite its benefits, some worry that CT scans and the radiation they produce could be potentially harmful for patients.

Research has shown that CT scans, used in moderation, pose little risk. The National Cancer Institute, for example, estimates additional risk of developing cancer from a scan is about 1 in 2,000, which is extremely slight considering a person's lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 1 in 5. Even so, researchers say that CT scans might be overused in today's medical climate in some cases. While some scans are 100-percent medically necessary, not all are.

Patients who are asked to go in for CT scans will find the procedure is relatively quick and involves no pain. It's rather like going in for a standard X-ray. If concerns about radiation exposure are present, patients can ask if other diagnostic procedures, such as an ultrasound or MRI, might be used instead. In some cases, a different tool may provide the same information. In others, however, the CT scan may prove to be the most effective, best tool for the job.

When used appropriately, CT scans offer doctors important, potentially lifesaving information. If this type of test has been ordered, there's no cause for alarm. Radiation exposure is relatively low. If overuse of this test is suspected, however, patients should feel comfortable asking why the test is being ordered and if other options might be available. The bottom line, however, is that CT scans, when used appropriately, are highly valuable tools for helping doctors diagnose and treat conditions without having to resort to more invasive measures.

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Every year thousands of patients are sent to diagnostic imaging centers to undergo a simple computed tomography, or CT, scan. This procedure essentially creates three-dimensional images of the inside of the body using hundreds of X-rays taken all at once.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - A Comprehensive View On Preparations and Instructions

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - A Comprehensive View On Preparations and Instructions

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Preparing for PET imaging study is more important than for other imaging studies are performed frequently. Learn about Pet-CT-Lascolinas PET scan procedure and PET scan preparation.

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Preparations and Instructions - PET/CT Scan Las Colinas, Texas

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Before arriving at the imaging facility you should carefully follow our detailed patient preparation instructions. Correct preparation for your PET study is more critical than for other commonly performed imaging studies.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Scan Cost and Pricing Information

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Scan Cost and Pricing Information

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PET / CT Las Colinas, we are proud to be an ACR accredited facility and work with patients to provide the best quality of care.

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Medicare Covers CT Screening for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people every year with over 150,000 people anticipated to die of the disease this year alone. In fact, lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women in the U.S. So it's not surprising that research dollars continue to be so aggressively spent on finding new and better ways of detecting, diagnosing, and ultimately effectively treating lung cancer.

One of the most effective methods of diagnosing lung cancer is the computed tomography (CT) scan which can establish the existence of a tumor as well as its shape, size and position. In many cases a CT scan is performed in response to concerning symptoms that the patient may be experiencing or as a follow-up to preliminary tests. But screening for any potential issues - even when symptoms may not be present - is the key to catching disease early enough for treatment to be most effective and, as a result, is the key to saving lives.

Medicare has recently made a commitment to screening for lung cancer by making the decision to cover CT lung cancer screening for seniors who are considered high risk for developing the disease. This is a significant piece of news in the world of cancer care because it provides patients, who may not otherwise have the financial means to cover such screening, access to potentially lifesaving tests.

CT lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare for patients who:
" Are 55-77 years old.
" Currently smoke and have a smoking history of 30 packs a year.
" Have quit smoking within the last 15 years but have a smoking history of 30 packs a year.

Because certain criteria must be met for Medicare to cover these screenings, it is required that providers submit data gathered through scans and follow-up to an approved registry that acts as a clearinghouse of all information and helps providers to stay compliant. The American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Registry works in that regard so patients who wish to be screened through medicare coverage are encouraged to visit ACR accredited facilities.

At PET/CT of Las Colinas, we are proud to be an ACR accredited facility and we work with patients to provide them with the highest quality of care.

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Medicare Covers CT Screening for Lung Cancer Lung cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people every year with over 150,000 people anticipated to die of the disease this year alone. In fact, lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women in the U.S.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - PET Imaging Of The Brain for Alzheimer’s Disease

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - PET Imaging Of The Brain for Alzheimer’s Disease

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas radiology center offer and perform the new Amyvid brain PET scan at competitive price.

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer's Disease
The Amyvid scan is an important advancement in the detection of Alzheimer's disease. Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) is a drug for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain in adults who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is a condition where the capability to think and form clear, coherent thoughts and choices has decreased. AD is one form of dementia that gradually worsens over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Amyvid is the first-and-only FDA-approved diagnostic PET tracer available. "Many Americans undergo evaluations to try to determine the cause for a decline in cognitive functioning," says Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Until now, the brain content of β-amyloid neuritic plaques could only be determined with a brain biopsy or examination of the brain at autopsy. This imaging agent is one tool to help physicians in the assessment of their patients by serving as an adjunct to other diagnostic evaluations."

After receiving an intravenous injection, Amyvid (a radioactive drug) binds to brain β-amyloid. β-amyloid protein is a type of protein that forms in patients with AD and some other cognitive disorders. Neuritic plaques, also called amyloid plaques, are abnormal clumps of brain cells mixed with β-amyloid protein. This radioactive signal can then be detected with a PET scanner which produces images of the plaque in the brain. A positive Amyvid scan indicates moderate to frequent plaques. However, a positive Amyvid scan does not establish a diagnosis of AD because, although patients with AD always have an increased brain content of plaque, the test also may be positive in patients with other types of neurologic conditions, as well as in older people with normal cognition.

A negative Amyvid scan indicates light to no neuritic plaques; a negative scan outcome lessens the likelihood that a patient's cognitive impairment is due to AD. Amyvid is used in addition to other diagnostic evaluations.

The Amyvid scan is quick - the patient is in and out within an hour:
" No fasting required.
" No change to your daily medications - take all your medications as usual.
" After the injection, there is a 30-50 minute uptake time to allow the medication to bind in the brain.
" The actual scan only takes about 10 minutes.

PET/CT of Las Colinas offers Competitive Cash Pricing and also has Special Research and Study Pricing available.
Please feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule an Amyvid scan.

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Amyloid PET Scan for Alzheimer's Disease The Amyvid scan is an important advancement in the detection of Alzheimer's disease. Amyvid (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) is a drug for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain in adults who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline.

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PET – Positron Emission Tomography is a powerful imaging that is used to diagnose and treat of many diseases such as cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.

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Please choose from the following questions to learn more.

Is PET safe?
The risks associated with a PET scan are very minimal. All molecular and nuclear imaging procedures are very safe. PET imaging is a nuclear imaging procedure. They are noninvasive which eliminates many various risks.

Radiation exposure is minimal in nuclear imaging procedures due to the fact that the amount of radiopharmaceutical used is extremely small. The amount of radiation in most nuclear medicine procedures is comparable to that received during a CT scan.

Family members are not at risk for exposure since most of the radioactivity has left the body or decomposed before the patient has left the center.
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When will I get my results?
You should contact your referring doctor to discuss the results. The PET scan is interpreted by a trained nuclear medicine physician or radiologist and results are usually sent to the referring physician within 24-48 hours.

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FAQs - PET/CT of Las Colinas, Irving, Texas

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Please choose from the following questions to learn more. Is PET safe? The risks associated with a PET scan are very minimal. All molecular and nuclear imaging procedures are very safe. PET imaging is a nuclear imaging procedure. They are noninvasive which eliminates many various risks.

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The PET/CT scan imaging is very important since it will provide information that is important to your diagnosis. Please contact our PET center in Las Colinas.

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Contact PET/CT Center of Las Colinas, Texas Imaging Radiology Clinic

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Contact PET/CT of Las Colinas, Texas for radiology and imaging services used in detecting and diagnosing different types of cancers.

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Correct preparation for your PET study is more critical than for other commonly performed imaging studies due to the fact that PET imaging depends on visualizing the distribution of the glucose based radiopharmaceutical throughout your body.

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Preparations and Instructions - PET/CT Scan Las Colinas, Texas

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Before arriving at the imaging facility you should carefully follow our detailed patient preparation instructions. Correct preparation for your PET study is more critical than for other commonly performed imaging studies.

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Medicare for CT Scan

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Pet-CT-Lascolinas - Medicare for CT Scan

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At PET/CT of Las Colinas, we are proud to be an ACR accredited facility and we work with patients to provide them with the highest quality of care.

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Medicare Covers CT Screening for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people every year with over 150,000 people anticipated to die of the disease this year alone. In fact, lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women in the U.S. So it's not surprising that research dollars continue to be so aggressively spent on finding new and better ways of detecting, diagnosing, and ultimately effectively treating lung cancer.

One of the most effective methods of diagnosing lung cancer is the computed tomography (CT) scan which can establish the existence of a tumor as well as its shape, size and position. In many cases a CT scan is performed in response to concerning symptoms that the patient may be experiencing or as a follow-up to preliminary tests. But screening for any potential issues - even when symptoms may not be present - is the key to catching disease early enough for treatment to be most effective and, as a result, is the key to saving lives.

Medicare has recently made a commitment to screening for lung cancer by making the decision to cover CT lung cancer screening for seniors who are considered high risk for developing the disease. This is a significant piece of news in the world of cancer care because it provides patients, who may not otherwise have the financial means to cover such screening, access to potentially lifesaving tests.

CT lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare for patients who:
" Are 55-77 years old.
" Currently smoke and have a smoking history of 30 packs a year.
" Have quit smoking within the last 15 years but have a smoking history of 30 packs a year.

Because certain criteria must be met for Medicare to cover these screenings, it is required that providers submit data gathered through scans and follow-up to an approved registry that acts as a clearinghouse of all information and helps providers to stay compliant. The American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Registry works in that regard so patients who wish to be screened through medicare coverage are encouraged to visit ACR accredited facilities.

At PET/CT of Las Colinas, we are proud to be an ACR accredited facility and we work with patients to provide them with the highest quality of care.

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Medicare Covers CT Screening for Lung Cancer Lung cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people every year with over 150,000 people anticipated to die of the disease this year alone. In fact, lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women in the U.S.

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The PET/CT scan your doctor has recommended is very important since it will provide information that is important to your diagnosis.

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Patients
The PET/CT scan your doctor has recommended is very important since it will provide information that is important to your diagnosis. It will also help you and your physician make accurate and informed decisions about your treatment path. Life hands us difficult questions that deserve answers and a PET/CT scan can help you and your medical team answer those tough questions with more clarity.

What to Expect as a Patient
The following information will help you prepare for your appointment at the imaging facility.

PET / CT scanner rooms can sometimes be kept at cooler temperatures, so please see that you wear warm comfortable clothing. Also, please avoid wearing jewelry or clothes with metal fasteners or zippers as you will be asked to remove those before the scan takes place.

You will be given specific preparation instructions regarding food and drink before your scan, but please refrain from eating or drinking any liquids, except water, for at least four to six hours before your scan. Please relax the 24 hours prior to your scan and remember to refrain from strenuous physical activity like working out, jogging, heavy lifting. Bring your most recent copies of any CT, X-ray, or MRI films with you on the day of your PET/CT scan.

Be prepared to stay at the imaging facility for approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will be asked to lie within one of our preparation rooms quietly for approximately 60 minutes before the scan, and to lie still for approximately 30 minutes while the scan is being performed.

The Scan
Before arriving at the imaging facility you should carefully follow our detailed patient preparation instructions. Correct preparation for your PET study is more critical than for other commonly performed imaging studies due to the fact that PET imaging depends on visualizing the distribution of the glucose based radio-pharmaceutical throughout your body.

Upon arriving at our center you will be asked to complete the necessary paperwork to begin the procedure. Be sure to bring your insurance cards with you to ensure accurate billing. Please remember to bring a list of any and all medications that you are currently taking.

You will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive glucose, and then you will be asked to rest quietly for approximately 60 minutes, allowing the glucose to circulate throughout the body. A nurse may check your blood sugar level before injecting the radioactive glucose, particularly if you are diabetic.

After this resting period you will empty your bladder and the technologist will escort you into the scanning room where you will lie down on the scanner table. It is important to remember to be comfortable and lie as still as possible for 15 to 35 minutes while the table passes slowly through the scanner acquiring several images. The procedure has no side effects and is painless.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for my Visit?
You should plan on spending at least two to three hours at the imaging facility. Depending on the type of scan you are having and the type of scanner being used, there is a 60 minute resting period before imaging, and your actual scan will take approximately 15 to 35 minutes. The results are read and interpreted by a trained nuclear medicine physician or radiologist and your physician will receive a written report approximately 24 to 48 hours after completion of the study.

Diabetic Patients
Make sure you inform the imaging facility staff ahead of time if you are diabetic, and follow their specific instructions or the instructions given to you by your physician. A nurse may check your blood sugar level before injecting the radioactive glucose. Your blood sugar level should be between 100-200 mg/dL before your PET/CT scan.

Safety
All molecular and nuclear imaging procedures are very safe. PET imaging is a nuclear imaging procedure. They are noninvasive which eliminates many various risks. Radiation exposure is minimal in nuclear imaging procedures due to the fact that the amount of radio-pharmaceutical used is extremely small. The amount of radiation in most nuclear medicine procedures is comparable to that received during a CT scan.

Radio pharmaceuticals are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and prepared with extreme care. Nuclear imaging has been used for more than 50 years, and these procedures are generally free of known side effects. While exposure to radiation is a small risk, the benefits of early and accurate diagnosis outweigh the risk of exposure to this small quantity of radioactive material. Naturally occurring background radiation and modern activities such as watching television and flying in an airplane all contribute to a lifetime exposure that is only slightly increased by medical imaging.

Post PET/CT Scan
Once the PET/CT scan is complete, you will be able to leave the imaging facility and travel to your next destination. Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the remainder of the day.

Your PET/CT Scan Results
We will report your PET/CT scan results to your referring physician. Please contact your physician to discuss these results.

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Patients The PET/CT scan your doctor has recommended is very important since it will provide information that is important to your diagnosis. It will also help you and your physician make accurate and informed decisions about your treatment path.