Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET differs from x-rays and other diagnostic imaging technologies in that it not only shows patient anatomy, but looks at chemical and physiological changes in the body.

The procedure is simple. Before having a scan with the GE PET Advance NXI, the patient receives a dose of tracer containing substances that mimic those normally used in the body, including water, sugars, proteins and oxygen. These tracer substances accumulate in diseased cells. This process takes just over an hour while the patient waits to be scanned. Then the patient lies on an electronically powered table that moves through the scanner.

During the scan, the tracers are detected by the scanner, which allows a picture of the patient’s anatomy to be created. This picture assists in finding where the disease is located. It helps doctors determine the extent (or stage) of a disease and track how rapidly tumors are growing. It is valuable for monitoring the progress of cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and for monitoring patients for recurrence of cancers. The technology is also available for studying brain disorders and heart disease.

PET is approved by Medicare and private insurance companies for use in the detection and treatment follow-up of lung, colorectal, melanoma, lymphoma, head and neck, and esophageal cancers. It is also approved for pre-surgical evaluation of refractory seizures and the assessment of myocardial viability. PET is also used in the staging/restaging and treatment response of breast cancer.

The PET Center is an outpatient imaging facility, located in first-floor Medical Office Building offices on St. Joseph's 72-acre medical campus. The service is a partnership between St. Joseph’s and Medical Imaging Sales and Service. For more information regarding our PET service, please call (501) 622-4554 or (501) 922-545, extension 4554.

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