Excel Nuclear Oncology Center in Houston is designated as Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence by SNMMI.

20 years of Excellence

Skip to main content

PET/CT Scan


 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses radioactive molecules to image and analyze various diseases and disorders. PET/CT is the fusion of PET and CT technologies, giving simultaneous metabolic and anatomic information. In the area of oncology, F-18 FDG PET scan is highly sensitive for detection of increased sugar consumption also called the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body and the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths. In one continuous full-body scan (usually about 30 minutes), the PET captures images of miniscule changes in the body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells, while CT images simultaneously allow physicians to pinpoint the exact location, size and shape of the diseased tissue or tumor. In practical terms small lesions or tumors are detected with the PET and then precisely located with the CT. 

PET/CT Applications

  • Determines the Extent of the Disease
  • Determines Location of the Disease for Treatment Planning 
  • Assesses the Response to and Effectiveness of Treatments
  • Detects Residual or Recurrent Disease
  • May Assist in Avoiding Invasive Diagnostic Procedures

Exams Offered 

  • FDG PET/CT
  • Detectnet - Cu 64 Dotatate
  • Ga- 68 NETSPOT
  • Ga-68 PSMA 
  • F-18 Axumin for prostate cancer
  • Florbetapir F-18 Amyvid

 

FDG PET/CT

What to expect during your exam 

You will be placed securely on a comfortable padded table. The technologist will place an IV catheter into your hand or arm and inject a radiotracer. There are no side effects associated with the injection. It will take approximately 60 minutes for the radiotracer to travel through your body and be absorbed by the specific organ or tissue being studied. We will ask you to rest quietly, avoid excessive movement and remain silent. We might also ask you to drink contrast material that will localize in the intestines and help the radiologist interpret your study. After the procedure, you will be free to resume your normal daily activities.

Preparation for your exam

F-18 FDG PET/CT

Eating: The day before your exam, follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, avoiding sweets, breads, pasta, rice and cereals. Do not eat anything for at least six hours prior to your exam. Most medications do not interfere with this test and can be taken as usual.

Diabetic Patients: For the test to be effective, it is important for your blood sugar levels to be 180 or lower. When you schedule your appointment, please tell us if you are diabetic so we can provide special instructions.

Clothing: Wear warm, comfortable, athletic-style clothing without metal snaps or zippers. We might ask you to wear an exam gown during the study because snaps, zippers, hooks, fasteners, belt buckles and other metal objects on your clothing affect the PET/CT. Remove all jewelry before the test, as well.

Exercise: Do not exercise within 24 hours of your scheduled PET scan appointment.

DETECTNET & Netspot

You must be off of Octreotide injections (Sandostatin LAR/Lanreotide) 28 days prior.

For short-acting Sandostatin for 24 hours prior.

Clothing: Wear warm, comfortable, athletic-style clothing without metal snaps or zippers. We might ask you to wear an exam gown during the study because snaps, zippers, hooks, fasteners, belt buckles and other metal objects on your clothing affect the PET/CT. Remove all jewelry before the test, as well.

 
 

Location

Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center
9701 Richmond Ave, Suite 122
Houston, TX 77042
Phone: 713-781-6200

Office Hours

Get in touch

713-781-6200