Norman Regional Health System offers PET at the following location.
Cancer Management Center located at Porter Health Village has one PET/CT
scanner at 901 N. Porter Ave., Norman, OK 73071.
What is PET?
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that
detects disease. PET scans produce images that can help to identify many
forms of cancer, damaged heart tissue, and brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. A PET scan is very different from an
ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, or CT. These tests detect changes in the body
structure or anatomy; whereas, a PET scan gives information about the
body’s physiology. A PET scan detects abnormalities in cellular
activity and can, in many cases, identify diseases earlier and more specifically
than other imaging techniques.
How PET Works
A PET scan begins with the injection of a radiopharmaceutical (FDG), which
is a radioactive sugar. This travels through the body, and by way of our
body's metabolism, is collected in our organs and tissues. Once the substance
has been given time to circulate, the patient will lie flat on a bed that
moves through the PET scanner. The radiation that is emitted from the
radiotracer is detected by the scanner and processed by a computer to
generate images of the body.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
PET is used to diagnose & stage various cancers. It is also useful
to determine the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Cancer cells divide
more rapidly than normal cells, and, in order to do so, they need more
energy. The radioactive sugar (FDG) that is administered to the patient
will be utilized more rapidly by the cancer cells. This increase in glucose
metabolism will be detected by the PET scanner. PET is used most often
for cancers of the lung, head, neck, colon, rectum, esophagus, lymphatic
system, skin, breast, thyroid, cervix, pancreas, and brain.
Cardiac Scans
PET scans of the heart can be used to determine blood flow to the heart
muscle and help evaluate coronary artery disease. PET scans of the heart
can differentiate living muscle from damaged muscle by looking at the
blood flow. A PET scan identifies damaged or dead heart tissue by the
lack of blood flow to that area. This information is important for patients
who have had a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) and are being
considered for angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Brain Scans
PET scans of the brain are used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,
epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. The PET scan demonstrates
abnormal areas of brain metabolism. Until recently, autopsy has been considered
the only definitive test for Alzheimer’s disease. Studies now indicate
that PET can accurately diagnose this disease. When comparing a normal
brain to one affected by Alzheimer’s, there is a distinct imaging
pattern demonstrated utilizing PET techniques. Early diagnosis can provide
the patient access to therapies, which are more effective earlier in the
disease process. PET is also useful in differentiating Alzheimer’s
from other forms of brain dementia.
PET is one of the most accurate methods available to localize areas of
the brain causing epileptic seizures and to determine if surgery is a
viable treatment option.
Exam Preparation
You should follow a high protein, low carbohydrate diet for 24 hours prior
to your test. High Protein Foods: eggs any style, bacon, sausage, steak,
chicken, salmon (no breaded meat), vegetables, tossed salad with a vinaigrette
type dressing. Foods to avoid: refined sugar, all fruits, all fruit juices,
all sodas, all breads, cereal, chips, corn, granola, muffins, oatmeal,
pasta, peas, potatoes, pretzels, rice, rice cakes, tortillas, yams…etc.
Nothing to eat or drink (except water) after MIDNIGHT the day of your scan
(including no chewing gum, breath mints, cough drops or anything that
may contain sugar). If your scan is scheduled for the afternoon, you may
have a light breakfast at least six hours prior to your scan, as long
as it follows the high protein diet. You will have your blood sugar tested
upon arrival and failure to follow the preparation could cause your blood
sugar to be too high to be able to do the test.
Please drink
ONLY WATER up until the time of your test. Anything other than water may affect your
test. Do not perform any physical activity for at least 24 hours prior
to your scan.
If you need any medication for pain or anxiety, please bring it with you.
Medications
You may take your regularly scheduled medications prior to arriving for
your scan, if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
Patients with Diabetes
If you are diabetic, take your oral medication as usual the morning of
the exam. You should NOT take any insulin within 6 hours of the exam.
Generally, your blood sugar level should be 100-200 mg/dL before your
PET scan. If your blood sugar does not run within this range on a daily
basis, please inform the PET center staff prior to your appointment. Your
PET scan results will be sent to your referring physician within approximately
24 business hours. Please contact your physician to discuss your PET scan results.
When to Arrive
Please arrive at the facility at your scheduled appointment time. The appointment
time that you are given has time built in for paperwork; therefore, you
do not need to arrive early. Because we special order our doses custom
to each patient and the time of their appointment, arriving early will
not assist in being scanned any sooner. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours at
our facility.
What to Wear
Wear loose fitting clothing with no metal buttons, zippers, snaps, etc.
The center tends to be cold, so dress warm.
Procedure
Upon arriving at the PET center, the patient will receive an IV and a small
amount of radioactive glucose will be given. After the injection, the
patient will wait an hour to allow the glucose to circulate throughout
the body. Once the hour is over, the patient will lay down on the bed/table
and the images will begin. The patient will be laying flat on his/her
back with the arms above the head. First, there will be a short CAT scan,
in which IV iodine contrast will be given. Then, immediately after the
CT scan is complete, the PET scan will begin. The PET portion of the test
can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient
weight, height, and specific exam.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
ET results are interpreted by a radiologist who is a physician trained
to supervise and interpret radiological examinations. The radiologist
will analyze all the images taken during your exam and send a signed report
to the ordering physician this will take 24 to 48 hours, additional copies
can be sent upon request to primary care physicians or specialists. The
ordering physician or your primary care physician will go over the results with you.
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