Evergreen Radia's Totem Lake Center was first in region to introduce PET/CT fusion scanning technology, which is being called one of the most important cancer detection tools to come along in years. As the name implies, it combines two scanners – the PET (Positron Emission Tomography), which shows metabolism and the function of cells, and the CT (Computed Tomography), which shows detailed anatomy -- into one.
The PET/CT scan is non-invasive. Prior to the scan, a radiotracer is injected into the body. The radiotracer consists of part glucose (sugar) and part isotope. The radiotracer metabolizes and emits signals that are recorded. In the case of cancer cells, they have a higher metabolic rate and emit more signals. The PET/CT scanner reassembles the signals into a picture. Brightness within the images measures the amount of activity in various parts of the body. The more activity the brighter the images. The PET portion of the exam locates the metabolic activity. The CT technique pinpoints the exact anatomical location of the organ. The results give doctors highly defined, 3-D images inside the human body – a powerful new system for detecting and diagnosing cancer earlier and more accurately, increasing the patient's chances of a good outcome.
PET/CT is particularly valuable in the detection and staging of breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, and thyroid cancer. Improved diagnosis means better treatment decisions and better outcomes.
PET/CT is also used during treatment to monitor a patient’s response to therapy.