WHAT IS PET/CT AND WHY IS IT USED?

PET/CT is an imaging tool that is highly advanced. PET/CT combines 2 different types of imaging into one diagnostic procedure. PET and CT together produce a more accurate picture of what is happening in the body than either PET or CT alone. PET/CT is a very good tool for detecting cancer and how far it has spread. It can help the doctor decide on the best treatment for a patient. PET/CT also can show how the cancer is responding to treatment.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that produces images of small changes in cellular metabolism in combination with detailed anatomical images. A very small amount of radioactive "tracer" (radionuclide or radioisotope) is injected into a vein by a PET/CT technologist. The radioactive "tracer" is tagged to a form of sugar that is used for energy by all cells in the body. Areas of abnormally high uptake of the "tracer" appear as brighter areas on the scan. Independent Imaging has 4 convenient locations in Wellington, Lake Worth, Belle Glade and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.