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St. Luke’s PET/CT scanner can reveal cancers even before changes in anatomy are apparent with CT or MRI. The CT component can determine the tumor’s exact location, size and configuration. This will greatly help physicians plan treatment. PET/CT scanning can also help search for metastasis (spread) and monitor treatment response. While a plain CT scan may show remnants of the tumor, the PET component will reveal whether this is active cancer or just scar tissue left over from cancer treatment.

In addition, a PET scan can be used to measure blood flow to the heart muscle and help evaluate signs of coronary artery disease. PET scans of the brain can be used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders, brain tumors or seizure disorders.

The radioactive pharmaceuticals used in PET emit very minute amounts of radiation, and have very short half-lives and do not remain in the body for long. Hence, one should not fear any side effects from radiation exposure. Unless one is an infant or is pregnant, there is also no reason to avoid interaction with a person who recently underwent PET scanning.