Highly sophisticated imaging technology, called PET (positron emission tomography), is available for the first time at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. It will be available twice monthly. PET goes beyond the capabilities of traditional imaging modalities such as CT scans and MRIs to examine body processes at the molecular level.
According to Radiology Director Robert Brice, PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many types of cancer and provide important early information about heart disease and neurological problems.
"PET is probably one of the best technologies available, particularly for diagnosing some cancers," he explains. "It is now available in Northwest Oklahoma."
A single PET scan offers the potential for detection and management of many forms of cancer, including melanoma and lung, breast, colon, rectal and prostate cancer. PET also can help doctors assess heart muscle damage or problems with blood flow and pinpoint areas of the brain with decreased metabolism or disease.
In the future, PET brain scans show promise in providing valuable information about neurological and psychological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Tourette syndrome and Parkinson's disease.
Images from inside the human body
PET works like a camera to produce powerful pictures of biological functions from inside the human body. Compounds such as glucose, oxygen and carbon, found naturally in body chemistry, are labeled with signal-emitting tracers and injected into the patient. These tracers contain a minute amount of radioactive material, similar to what a patient would be exposed to during a routine X-ray.
The patient relaxes under the scanner while it records signals from tracers as they travel through the body and collect in the various organs targeted for examination. A computer reassembles the signals into actual images, revealing normal, healthy organ systems or system failure and disease.
PET scans on the medical center campus
St. Mary's offers whole-body PET scans twice monthly. A physician reviews the results of each patient's PET scan and prepares a report, submitted in writing to the referring physician.
Patients should talk with their doctors about the potential benefits of having a PET scan. For more information about PET scans at St. Mary's, call Brice at 580-249-3026.
