Services | Radiology | PET CT

PET CT


1. What is PET


PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a revolutionary technology used in the evaluation and monitoring of certain types of cancer and some brain and cardiac disorders. PET works by creating powerful images of the biological functions of the human body to reveal disease states. To create these images, compounds like simple sugars (glucose, for example) are labeled with signal-emitting tracers and injected into the patient. A scan records the signals these tracers emit as they travel through the human body and collect in the various organs targeted for examination. A computer reassembles the signals into actual images, resulting in unique pictures that show biological causes of normal organ function and failure of organ systems in disease.

2. Clinical Applications


What are the Clinical Applications for PET/CT? ONCOLOGY (cancer) is the most important application of PET/CT and provides vital diagnostic information that can alter the course of cancer treatment and sometimes help in avoiding unwarranted surgery. PET can help provide critical information about whether a tumor is malignant or not, the extent of cancer, whether it has spread to other organs, monitoring of cancer recurrences, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment threrapy.

CARDIOLOGY (heart) is another important application where PET provides a high level of accuracy in assessing myocardial viability and perfusion.

NEUROLOGY (brain), PET provides highly accurate information to localize the areas of the brain causing epileptic seizures and to determine if surgery is an option.

For more specific information about indications and reimbursement for PET/CT or PET, please download the following materials:

»   Download Breast Cancer Indication Flyer.

»   Download Colorectal Cancer Indication Flyer.

»   Download Esophageal Cancer Indication Flyer.

»   Download Lung Cancer Indication Flyer.

»   Download Lymphoma Indication Flyer.

3. Setting New Standards


At URMC, we're using a unique open PET/CT from Philips that allows us to perform separate PET and CT exams as well as combined PET/CT scans with the push of a button. PET evaluates the chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. Since functional changes occur long before the structural damage is done to tissues, this is a crucial advantage that allows detection of disease well before other imaging modalities. In some instances, early detection and treatment can have a major impact on patient outcomes. Moreover, the integration of metabolic data from PET and anatomical data from CT allows clinicians to better view the structural detail, location of and changes in tissue.

This fusion of PET and CT is invaluable asset in treatment planning. Also, a single PET/CT scan can give information about the functioning of the entire body. This is critical in many instances, especially in oncology where additional tumors and the spread of disease are sometimes discovered. The replacement of multiple tests is also a great convenience for patients and physicians, as the extent of disease is established more quickly and with greater confidence.


In summary, the key benefits of PET/CT are:


»   Safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure

»   Detailed diagnostic information not available from independent CT and MRI tests

»   Complete full body PET/CT scan in one exam means shorter time for definitive diagnosis

»   Early detection of disease with fewer invasive diagnostic procedures

»   Improved staging of the disease and better monitoring of cancer recurrences

»   More effective tracking of the results of treatment therapy

»   Less extensive surgeries and avoidance of some surgeries

»   Open GEMINI gantry promotes patient acceptance and comfort

»   GEMINI system enables independent operation of stand alone PET or CT for increased facility productivity and flexibility

»   Lowers overall cost of care

4. Exam Results


PET/CT represents the next level of diagnostic imaging power for oncology. PET detects metabolic signals in the body while CT provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy, revealing the location, size, and shape of cellular activity. Alone, each imaging test is effective for a wide variety of applications. But when the results of PET and CT scans are "fused" together, the combined image provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism.

5. Please Note


PET/CT or PET at URMC: A Clear Advantage for Physicians
URMC installed a PET or PET/CT scanner to further meet the needs of its referring physicians. This sophisticated piece of diagnostic equipment now provides more accurate small tumor detection for oncologists and surgeons.