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

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PET/CT

Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center -  - Diagnostic Imaging

Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center

Diagnostic Imaging & Clinical Research located in Houston, TX

As part of your diagnostic testing for cancer, you might need a PET/CT scan. Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center provides comprehensive PET/CT scanning services at its office in Houston, Texas. Ebrahim Delpassand, MD, and the team can use noninvasive PET/CT scans to initially diagnose cancer and to monitor the effectiveness of treatments. To schedule a PET/CT scan, call Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center or book a consultation online today.

PET/CT Q&A

What is a PET/CT scan?

A PET/CT scan is a fusion of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan. This type of full-body scan helps the team at Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center diagnose abnormal cells in the body that may indicate cancer.

The PET scan captures images of minuscule changes in your body’s metabolism due to abnormal cell growth, while the CT scan simultaneously provides the team with information about the exact location, shape, and size of the abnormal or diseased tissue or tumor.

Why would I need a PET/CT scan?

You might need a PET/CT scan if you have signs of cancer and need to confirm a diagnosis. A PET/CT scan might also be necessary to:

  • Determine the extent of cancer
  • Determine the location of cancerous cells or a tumor
  • Assess your response to cancer treatments
  • Identify areas of cancer spread

Your physician may also refer you to Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center for a PET/CT scan to reduce your need for more invasive diagnostic procedures.

How do I prepare for a PET/CT scan?

Prior to the date of your PET/CT scan, the Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center staff provides you with guidance to help you prepare.

Preparation includes following a low-carb, high-protein diet and avoiding sweets, bread, and pasta the day before your exam. You also can’t eat any food for at least six hours before your test and shouldn’t exercise for at least 24 hours before your test.

If you take any medications, the team can discuss if you need to make changes before your PET/CT scan. If you have diabetes, it’s important that your blood sugar levels are 180 or lower on the day of your test. The team provides special instructions for diabetic patients.

On the day of your test, wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t have snaps, zippers, or other metal parts.

What happens during a PET/CT scan?

Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center offers several types of PET/CT scans, including:

  • FDG PET/CT
  • DetectNet® (Cu-64 DOTATATE)
  • NetSpot® (Ga-68 DOTATATE) PET/CT Scan
  • Gallium (68 PSMA) PET/CT Scan for prostate CA
  • F-18 Axumin® for prostate cancer
  • Florbetapir F-18 Amyvid®
  • Pylarify® F-18 PSMA for prostate CA
  • ILLUCCIX® PET/CT Scan for prostate CA
  • DaTscan ® for Parkinson disease

Typically, during your PET/CT scan, you lie comfortably on a padded table. The team places an intravenous (IV) catheter into your hand or arm. Through the catheter, they inject a radiotracer.

It takes about 60 minutes for the radiotracer to travel through your body and absorb into the tissue or organ that needs testing. The PET/CT technology then begins scanning your body, and you must remain quiet and as still as possible - so the images it captures are clear.

If you’re having a PET/CT scan to diagnose gastrointestinal issues, you might need to drink a contrast material before your scan.

Once your test is complete, the radiologists review your results and send them to your physician. You can expect to go back to your usual activities without any limitations soon after your scan.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a PET/CT scan, call Excel Diagnostics & Nuclear Oncology Center, or book an appointment online today.

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