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CAT Scan
 A CAT (Computed Axial
Tomography) scan is a painless X-ray that uses
a computer to produce detailed cross-sectional
images, or "slices," of parts of
the body. Of all imaging tests that are currently
available, the CAT scan is best able to produce
images of bone, blood and soft tissues. More often
than not, IV contrast will be used to provide additional
information for the Radiologist. Tower Hematology
Oncology Medical Group routinely uses a non-ionic
contrast to minimize reactions in patients who
are, or maybe allergic to iodine.
What is Spiral
Technology?
Remarkable speed and volumetric data
acquisition sets spiral CT apart from conventional
CT. Spiral technology consist of the combination
of the tubes continuous rotation as pictures are
acquired. Moreover, spiral CT technology has spawned
a new vascular imaging technique--spiral CT angiography--that
is noninvasive and less expensive than conventional angiography.
What
happens during a CAT scan?
The
patient will be asked to lie down on a scanning
table, which slides slowly into a short, open-ended
tunnel. Speakers and a microphone are present
to allow the patient to communicate with the
technologist who is conducting the test. The
patient will be asked to lie very still as the
machine takes the CAT scans. Part of the machine
called the "X-ray sensing unit" will
rotate around the body part that is being scanned,
and the table will move as pictures are being
taken. The contrast medium that will be administered
into the patient's veins may produce a warm,
flushed feeling for several minutes. This is
normal and will soon pass. Patients are urged
to speak with the technologist if they are feeling
uncomfortable about the sounds made by the machine
or any other aspect of the test. The entire CAT
scan should take about 20 minutes, but, in some
cases, could last up to 45 minutes.
PET
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a unique and powerful clinical test that helps your doctor understand disease that may not appear on x-ray, CT, and MRI.
What is a PET scan?
A PET scan allows physicians to measure the body's abnormal molecular cell activity to detect:
- Cancer (such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, melanoma and other skin cancers),
- Brain Disorders (such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and epilepsy), and
- Heart Disease (such as coronary artery disease).
PET scans are simple, painless, and fast, offering patients and their families life-saving information that helps physicians detect and diagnose diseases early and quickly begin treatment.
PET scanning and molecular imaging provide real life answers to better diagnose illness, guide treatment options, and give patients ultimate control over their critical and vital health care decisions.
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