Patient Undergoing PET Scan at Lexington Diagnostic Center & OPEN MRI

PET (POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY) Scanning is the latest in imaging technology and is used for:

• Diagnosis of cancer
• Detection of spread or metastasis of cancer
• Planning and evaluation of the treatment of the malignancy

When combined with the results of a CT or MRI scan of the same area, (Fusion Imaging) this technology demonstrates not only the presence of cancer(s), but can also detect the exact location of the tumors within the body.

Cancers typically grow rapidly and use much more of the body’s glucose than normal. A PET scan takes advantage of this fact by using a form of glucose molecule to which a radioactive material has been attached.  When this radioactive glucose is injected, it is circulated in the body and more is taken up in fast growing tumors than in normal tissue.  The whole body is then scanned with a high resolution PET Scanner.  Tumors are highly metabolic and will absorb the radioactive sugar. This is displayed as highlighted areas on the PET Scan. 

The kind of tumors that can be evaluated by PET and are approved for payment by Medicare are:

• Most Lung Cancers (non-small cell)
• Breast Cancer (for Staging Only)
• Colon-rectal Cancer
• Melanoma
• Lymphoma
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Other conditions for which PET is very useful and which are covered by Medicare are:

• Severe Epileptic Seizures (Pre-surgical evaluation)
• Heart Muscle Viability
• Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Atypical Cases

State of the Art High Resolution Philips Allegro PET Scanner

Rotating PET Scan Demonstrating Patient with Multiple Metastatic Melanomas Involving the Spine, Sternum and Lymph Nodes in the Pelvis, Axila, Groin, Legs and Arms.

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Lexington, KY 40504
Phone 859-278-7226 or Toll Free 800-755-7441