Delivering the Power of the PET/CT Scan

PET/CT Scans Available at St. Mary's Hospital
St. Mary's Hospital is now offering mobile PET/CT scan services, which can be scheduled through your physician.

What is PET/CT?
Positron emission tomography, or PET, is a painless diagnostic test that demonstrates how well the body’s cells are functioning.  Considered a powerful diagnostic breakthrough, PET/CT is a technology that combines images from the highly sensitive PET scan, which detects changes in the way cells behave, with detailed pictures of internal anatomy from the CT scan.

After the PET and CT scans are obtained, computer manipulation allows the two exams to be viewed independently, as well as in a superimposed form. This combined image shows precisely where abnormalities exist, making it possible for earlier cancer and heart disease diagnosis, accurate staging and more precise treatment and monitoring. The PET/CT image also provides early detection of the recurrence of cancer, revealing tumors that may otherwise be obscured by scarring that results from surgery and radiation therapy, especially in the head and neck areas.

Are there any risks?
There are no known risks from the isotope tracer that is used in PET/CT and you should feel no discomfort from the tracer or the exam itself.  PET/CT scans are not considered safe for women who are pregnant, so please let your physician know if you are or may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.