PET/CT Scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, a special camera and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before other imaging tests can.
Tell your doctor if there is any possibility you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will tell you how to prepare based on the type of your exam. Discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you are taking and allergies – especially to contrast material. Your doctor will likely tell you not to eat anything and to drink only water for several hours before your scan. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may wear a gown during the exam.
If you’d like to learn more about our PET/CT Scan treatments or any of the other services available at our state-of-the-art cancer center, please contact us.
Biograph Horizon™ Technology
Biograph Horizon enables our physicians to visualize small lesions early. The system provides higher resolution and better image quality, which is valuable for many indications, like lung cancer – the most common PET/CT test. The system’s efficient high-contrast, high-resolution PET/CT with Time-of-Flight helps our medical team identify additional diagnostic procedures, supporting improved patient outcomes, lower procedure costs, and reduced liability risks.
To increase productivity and time spent with patients, Biograph Horizon simplifies our staff’s daily routine and lets us get back to patient treatment. For example, we can run quality control procedures overnight, scans can be performed in as fast as 5 minutes, and reconstruction runs alongside acquisition for image delivery just 30 seconds after the scan. This allows us to reduce our operation time and spend more time sharing our insight with patients and their families.
What’s the difference between a CT Scan and PET/CT Scan?
A CT scan shows detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body. A PET scan can find abnormal activity and it can be more sensitive than other imaging tests. It may also show changes to your body sooner. Doctors use PET-CT scans to provide more information about the cancer. In addition to learning your cancer stage, a PET-CT scan can help the doctor:
- Find the right place for a biopsy.
- Learn if your cancer treatment is working.
- Check for new cancer growth after treatment has ended.
- Plan radiation therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about our PET/CT Scan treatments or any of the other services available at our state-of-the-art cancer center, please contact us.
The Highest Quality
Cancer Care in Puerto Rico
By pursuing the best medical team, investing aggressively in cutting-edge technology and closely following the newest cancer research, we have set a high standard of excellence in cancer detection and treatment statewide. Our sophisticated equipment, paired with the unwavering commitment of our staff, make San Cristóbal Cancer Institute a unique and safe haven for patients and their families.