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PET Imaging (Positron Emission Tomography)
PET imaging is a medical imaging technique that uses a small amount of radioactive material (radiotracer) to visualize and measure metabolic activity in the body. It is commonly used to detect cancer, evaluate brain disorders, and assess heart function. PET imaging is commonly used in conjunction with other forms of imaging to plan radiation therapy treatment. Here at Sound Cancer Care, we use combination PET/CT imaging. Combining two methods of imaging for the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How PET Imaging Works
A radiotracer (e.g., fluorodeoxyglucose or FDG) is injected into the bloodstream, which accumulates in areas of high metabolic activity. Tumor and cancer areas generally have a high metabolic activity. The radiotracer emits positrons, which interact with electrons in the body, producing gamma rays. A PET scanner detects these gamma rays and constructs detailed images of metabolic activity in tissues and organs.
Advantages of PET Imaging
PET imaging can detect diseases at an early stage by identifying metabolic changes before structural abnormalities appear. It is a common imaging technique used for early cancer diagnoses. It can even help differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.
This imaging technique can be combined with CT or MRI (PET-CT or PET-MRI) for more precise anatomical and functional imaging. Here at Sound Cancer Care, we have a combination PET and CT imaging machine. This gives us a unique ability to perfectly combine PET and CT scans.
Considerations and Risks:
Though minimal, PET involves radioactive tracers. The usable time for these tracers is not long. Imaging must be performed soon after injection and minor radiation precautions must be made after imaging. The tracer will be eliminated from your body within a few hours to the next day.
PET imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool, particularly in oncology, neurology, and cardiology, offering early detection and precise monitoring of various diseases.
Comprehensive Imaging
In addition to standard PET/CT imaging, our center offers advanced molecular imaging with PSMA, Dotatate, and Cerianna PET scans.
PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique used to detect and monitor prostate cancer. It provides highly accurate detection and staging of prostate cancer, improving treatment decisions. This type of scan is a highly sensitive and specific method for identifying prostate cancer cells, even in small numbers or when they have spread to other parts of the body.
Dotatate, or more specifically Gallium-68 DOTATATE (Ga-68 DOTATATE), is a radiopharmaceutical used in PET/CT scans to visualize neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) by targeting somatostatin receptors. Because these PET scans are specialized for detecting neuroendocrine tumors, they allow precise tumor localization.
Cerianna PET imaging, also known as a fluoroestradiol F-18 PET scan, is a molecular imaging test used to detect and characterize estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Improving outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Breast Cancer
Often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery, radiation treatment for breast cancer is precise and effective.
Lung Cancer
There are many methods to treat lung cancer with radiation therapy. Sound Cancer Care is skilled at using them all.
Prostate Cancer
Radiation therapy and radioligand therapy are the most effective methods of treatment for prostate cancer. Each treatment tailored to your cancer needs.
Brain and Spine Cancer
Precision to the millimeter. Our team is experienced in planning and treating cancers from large to very small.
Skin Cancer
Electron radiation therapy is one of the best ways to treat skin cancers. Low dose, precise, and very few side effects.
Head and Neck Cancer
Radiation can be the most effective method of treating these cancers. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.