Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can
effectively identify many of the most common
cancers, heart and neurological diseases before
they can be seen on other tests. PET is a scan that
provides information about the body’s chemistry
that is not available with other imaging
technologies such as CT Scan or MRI. PET uses
the difference in the metabolism rates of cells to
show physicians the difference between healthy
tissue and diseased tissue, or cancerous tissue and
scar tissue. Since these changes in the way cells
function often occur before a physical change can
be found, PET may help your doctor make an
earlier diagnosis. This can result in faster, more
effective treatment and may help to avoid other
exams or surgeries.
Why might my doctor refer me for a PET scan?
PET scans are particularly useful in diagnosing and
asssessing or staging many types of cancer such
as breast, colorectal, head and neck, esophageal,
lung, lymphoma, melanoma, ovarian, and pancreatic
cancers as well as musculoskeletal tumors. PET is
also frequently used for certain cardiology (heart)
patients and is effective in determining various
neurological (brain) diseases such as Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s Disease, stroke and epilepsy.
while you listen to music. In some cases a bladder
catheter may be used. Next, you will be positioned
on a comfortable table that moves slowly through the
PET scanner. You will need to remain still during the
scan. Please plan to spend 2-3 hours with us for the
entire procedure.
What can I expect when I have a PET scan?
Your doctor will give you information about what you
must do prior to your exam. As with all medical
procedures, please bring your insurance cards with
you and personal identification such as a driver’s license.
When you arrive for your exam, your health history
will be reviewed. Then a small amount of FDG, a
radioactive sugar tracer, will be injected into your hand
or forearm intravenously (through an IV). The FDG
has no known side effects and leaves your body
through urination.
It takes 45-60 minutes for the FDG tracer to
concentrate in tissue so a proper scan can be made.
While you wait in most cases, you can usually read,
talk with a family member or friend or rest quietly
while you listen to music. In some cases a bladder
catheter may be used. Next, you will be positioned
on a comfortable table that moves slowly through the
PET scanner. You will need to remain still during the
scan. Please plan to spend 2-3 hours with us for the
entire procedure.
Will my insurance cover PET?
Medicare and most private insurances reimburse
for many types of PET scans. Some insurances
DO NOT cover the procedure. In cases where
your insurance comapany requires prior
authorization, our staff will contact them before
your appointment.
How will I get the results of my scan?
A trained Radiologist experienced in reading the
PET images will provide your doctor with a
diagnosis in a few days.
Benefits of PET
PET may enable doctors to:
- See tiny tumors and allow for an early diagnosis
- Determine how far cancer, heart and neurological diseases have progressed
- Determine the difference between healthy tissue and diseased tissue or cancerous tissue and scar tissue
- Eliminate more invasive exams or surgeries
- Assess or "stage" cancer prior to surgeries or treatment
- Determine the effectiveness of a patients therapy
How is a PET scan scheduled?
Your doctor’s office will schedule your
appointment. Our staff will contact you to
confirm the appointment, and review the
instructions you received from your doctor.
What if I need to change my appointment?
Please provide 24 hours notice by calling
1-866-DMC-PET1 (1-866-362-7381) if you are unable to keep your appointment. The
special FDG tracer must be ordered 24 hours
in advance for your scan. Appointment changes
made in less than 24 hours from the time of your
scheduled exam may result in you being charged
for the FDG tracer.
Our locations
Detroit Medical Center offers PET imaging services at the following three locations:
The Cancer Hospital (Managed by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute)
and Harper University Hospital
3990 John R
Detroit, MI 48201
Huron-Valley Sinai Hospital
1 William Carls Drive
Commerce, MI 48382
Sinai-Grace Hospital
6071 W. Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48235
Visit www.neo-pet.com for more information
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