MGHS upgrades its PET scanning capabilities with implementation
of PET/CT fusion
Fusion superimposes digital images to accurately diagnose staging
of cancers
With an upgrade to PET/CT
fusion, the most powerful PET imaging modality available is
now in use at Marquette
General Health System.
MGHS radiologist Steve
Min, D.O., explains that PET/CT fusion
works by merging the anatomical information from CT with
functional information from PET, providing
more accurate detection and staging of a number of cancer malignancies. PET
and CT images are fused by a software package that superimposes two digital
images together.
“
When the PET/CT images are fused, we can identify the location of the abnormality
with greater accuracy than simply holding the separate scans side-by-side,” Min
said. “The fusion results in the most accurate staging tool available
today.”
The depth of detail, Min notes, allows physicians to distinguish between
possible tumors and harmless scar tissue without the need for a biopsy.
“In addition,” he said, “radiation oncologists are able to
better outline the tumor so the radiation can be fine-tuned to the patient’s
diseased area.”
The dedicated PET/CT scanner dramatically shortens scan times for patients
and provides more specific information for physicians.
In February, MGHS began offering Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging
for cancer diagnosis. Since its introduction, Marquette General has seen
significant results in staging new and recurring cancers. In fact, the courses
of treatment
of nearly 50 percent of patients have been altered as a result of PET imaging.
A PET scanner can detect small, cancerous tumors and subtle changes in the
brain and heart. Since PET can identify the presence of abnormal biochemistry,
it improves the ability of a Marquette General physician to accurately diagnose
active tumors, heart disease and brain disorders. The technology allows physicians
to treat these diseases earlier and more accurately than if they waited for
results from other detection modalities.
PET displays the metabolic functioning of organs and tissues; X-ray, CT and
MRI are used to image body structure. PET helps physicians identify cells
that grow at a very fast rate, and can detect unusual changes in cells and
tissues.
MGHS has the services of a mobile P.E.T. scanner two days per week.
Studies show that PET imaging may assist physicians in more accurately determining
the degree of spread of malignant tumors. It can help detect recurrent brain
tumors and tumors of the lung, colon, breast, lymph nodes, skin, and other
organs.
“PET inspects all organs of the body for cancer in a single examination
with a whole body scan,” said MGHS radiologist Dr.
Todd Bostwick. “Using
PET, we can pinpoint where the cancer is and how aggressive it is.”
In the near future, PET will be used at Marquette General for neurologic and
coronary applications, Dr. Min said.
Additional appointment openings are available to improve patient access.
Those with questions about the use of PET/CT scanning are encouraged to call
225-3540 or
1-800-562-9753, ext. 3540.
