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precisely diagnose tumor spread. A
PET scan (positron emission tomography)
uses sugar tagged with radioactive
fluorine (FDG) which is injected into
the bloodstream. The FDG is
maximally concentrated in cancer cells,
which have the highest metabolic
activity. A PET scan shows a
concentration of cancer cells. It
is unfortunately without the anatomic
detail to tell us exactly where the
cancer is. Thus the treating
physician may only have a general idea
of where the cancer is in relation to
normal structures.
When a CAT scan is performed, this
scan adds the anatomic detail necessary
to precisely locate the cancer in the
body. The General Electric
Discovery ST combine
the two scans on one piece of equipment
and make a powerful cancer detection
device. Other area facilities may
try to "match" the PET scan to CAT scan
done on two separate pieces of
equipment. As you can imagine,
this is considerably less precise.
We are the only area facility which uses
PET/CT information to precisely outline
the tumor in preparation for intensity
modulation radiation treatment.
Our facility includes a coordinated
laser positioning system for patients to
have precise and accurate positioning;
an essential component part of radiation
therapy treatment planning.
Both
our Lake City and Gainesville offices
have PET/CT scanners on site.
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