UAB PET-CT Scanning

What is PET-CT Scanning?

PET-CT scanning provides computerized images of your entire body. What makes PET images special is how they show precise changes in cell function-for example, changes in cell biochemistry or how your cells utilize nutrients. Because these cellular changes take place before physical changes occur in the body tissues, they can provide the earliest indications of cancer. The simultaneous CT scan pinpoints the location of these abnormalities.

Images from PET-CT scanning quickly give UAB specialists complete and accurate information. In fact, PET-CT scans give specialists the ability to diagnose cancer before it reaches the stage where it can be detected by other forms of diagnostic imaging.

With PET-CT scanning, physicians gain a one-of-a-kind view of what is happening inside your body. Other types of scans, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and routine CT scans, simply show changes in the size or structure of internal organs. Only the combined PET-CT scan illustrates the cellular processes taking place and identifies its exact location. Because other scans may not be able to detect cancer as early or offer as much detail, PET-CT scanning is sometimes used to supplement the information gathered through MRI, CT, or PET alone.

How the Screenings are Used

UAB specialists utilize PET-CT scanning as a simple, noninvasive alternative to exploratory surgery. The safe, easy, painless scans also provide much more information at as faster pace.

PET-CT scans can detect breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma. Occasionally a scan will indicate a previously unknown cancer. The scanning is so sensitive that it can distinguish between malignant and benign tissues and indicate the extent and progression of cancer. The whole-body scan also allows specialists to pinpoint exactly where the cancer is.

Physicians use PET-CT scans to design the treatment regimen that best meets your individual needs. The precise scans offer valuable information that can make treatment-whether it's chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy-more accurate and effective.

PET-CT scanning may also be used to diagnose epilepsy, dementia, brain tumor, and cardiac disease.

What Happens During the Scanning

When you arrive at UAB, a technologist will administer an injection of a drug to help the scanning machine "see" inside your body. This drug has no side effects and will quickly be eliminated from your system.

During the scan, you will lie still on a comfortable table that moves through the PET-CT scanner. You should not feel anything from the scan because the scanner is shaped like a ring and does not touch your body.

You should allow two hours for the procedure. The scan itself will last approximately 30 minutes.

When the scan is complete, you may leave and should be able to eat and drink immediately. Your specialist will thoroughly review your results and communicate with your primary care physician, who will discuss them with you.

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