PET-CT Scanning
BAB Radiology was the first radiology practice in Suffolk County to install a dedicated PET Scanner in 2001. Our radiologists have read more PET Scans than any other outpatient imaging office in Suffolk County. Our radiologists not only have more clinical experience that other outpatient imaging centers.
We have upgraded our PET Scanner to a PET-CT Scanner in 2006 in our Hauppauge location.
PET-CT combines two machines in one, so that the physiologic activity of PET can be matched with the anatomical information of CT. The two studies are fused, creating one image. The result is greater diagnostic accuracy in localizing abnormalities than PET or CT alone.
PET-CT scanning is performed after injecting radio-labeled sugar (FDG) into an arm vein. After waiting about an hour to allow the sugar to circulate, the scan is started. Since cancerous cells are metabolically more active than normal cells, and therefore use more sugar for energy, they appear as “hot-spots” relative to normal cells. This information, fused with the anatomical CT information, pinpoints the exact location of the abnormality.
PET-CT leads to improved diagnostic confidence and can reduce the need for biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. Diagnoses can be made earlier, with greater accuracy in staging and localization, with more precise treatment and better patient monitoring. Finally, overall patient comfort is increased due to shorter scan times.
PET-CT can be used for various types of imaging including:
Oncology
- Determine benign from malignant in suspicious areas
- Assess tumor aggressiveness-grading
- Whole body scan for distant metastases
- Early detection of recurrent tumors
- Superior detection of the nodal spread
- Monitor success of therapy
Neurology
- Diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
- Parkinson's disease - diagnosis of movement disorders
High Degree of accuracy for presence or spread of:
- Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Melanoma
- Breast Cancer
- Brain Tumors
- Lymphoma
- Head and Neck tumors
- Pancreatic Cancer
PET-CT imaging offers fast results with no harm to the patient in the diagnosis, staging and restaging in many areas of oncology. PET-CT has shown to be an asset to many physicians in determining the treatment needed for their patients. Most insurance companies cover PET-CT scan for lymphoma, lung, breast, colorectal and esophageal cancers, head and neck cancer, and melanoma.