PET/CT Technology

New technologies keep our Comprehensive Cancer Center on the leading edge!

The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances of survival and recovery. That's why the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Memorial continues to lead the way in medical technology that enables state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment planning, therapies and follow-up.

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan creates images of a certain type of metabolic activity in the body, an indication of cancer. CT (computer tomography) pinpoints the location of the activity. "With a single 25-minute scan, the PET/CT technology identifies the location and size of a tumor and indicates whether or not it has spread," says Laura Stampleman, MD, an oncologist with the Comprehensive Cancer Center. "It also a powerful tool in helping us to identify the most appropriate therapies, gauge the success of the treatments and detect any recurrence of cancer. For patients, it increases peace of mind with immediate results, eliminating the wait and see approach. We're hopeful that it may reduce the need for invasive procedures such as a biopsy or exploratory surgery as well."

"Before the combined technology, separate scans had to be registered visually or with specialized image-fusing software," says David Rice, CNMT, Manager, Nuclear Medicine at Salinas Valley Memorial. "Acquiring both the PET and CT images at one time ensures that the two studies are anatomically registered in the exact same position allowing physicians to act more quickly."

Contact Diagnostic Imaging for additional information at 831-755-0740