PET/CT scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging exam that uses a small amount of radioactive material to show activity inside the body. Computerized tomography (CT) scans use special X-ray equipment to create a detailed view of internal systems. A combined PET/CT scan gives physicians a very precise view inside the body and leads to more accurate diagnoses for complex conditions.
Our physicians use PET/CT scans to learn how tissues and organs are functioning and to identify disease in its earliest stages. PET/CT scans help doctors diagnose and determine the severity of heart disease, many types of cancer, disorders in the gastrointestinal, endocrine and neurological systems, and other organ or tissue abnormalities.
What you should know about PET/CT scans
- Depending on the type of PET/CT scan being performed, the radiotracer (a short-lived, low-energy radioactive material) is intravenously injected (IV) into a patient.
- PET/CT scans are noninvasive and painless with the exception of possible discomfort from the intravenous injections.
- In addition to diagnosing and determining the severity of various diseases, PET/CT scans can also be used to immediately see a patient’s response to specific treatments.
Treats these conditions
Geisinger’s radiology specialists use the latest in PET/CT technology to diagnose and determine the severity of a wide range of conditions, including:
- Oncologic disorders
- Neurological disorders
Specialties and institutes
Geisinger’s radiology specialists use the latest in PET/CT technology to diagnose and determine the severity of a wide range of conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Cardiology
- Neurology and neurosurgery
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