Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) Scans

Our physicians are now able to detect cancer in a more precise way with a state-of-the-art mobile PET/CT scanner. This technology enables doctors to more accurately screen for cancer and pinpoint its exact location in the body. PET/CT complements our full-service Cancer Center, home to medical oncology, radiation oncology and infusion services.

Both CT (computed tomography) and the newer PET (positron emission tomography) have added valuable dimensions to cancer diagnosis. A CT scan is a series of X-rays taken sequentially along the length of the body, producing images that resemble cross-sections of organs and other structures. CT gives sharp views of anatomical features and differentiates between types of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels. This reveals lesions, tumors and metastases.

PET scans focus more on how structures behave than on how they look. They detect the metabolic activity of tissues and determine how rapidly they are consuming the sugar that fuels biological growth. Cancerous tissue, which shows up on PET scans as bright areas, consumes sugar at a very high rate. PET scans can distinguish between dead scar tissue and active cancer and detect cancers at an earlier stage, when they are smaller.

To schedule your diagnostic exam, call us at (209) 536-3437.
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.