News Releases

PET/CT Scan Merges Technologies to Pinpoint Cancer and Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease

Houston, Texas – A new technology available at Memorial Hermann Southwest combines the best of two established techniques to diagnose cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

PET/CT scans merge metabolic detection with computerized imaging to precisely identify problem areas in the body.

While the PET scan identifies metabolic abnormalities, the computed tomography (CT) scan simultaneously takes multiple images to create a map of the body. This helps pinpoint the location of cancerous tumors or metabolic inactivity in the brain.

“Using these technologies together provides more precise information and helps us determine the best course of treatment for patients,” said William Velasquez, M.D., a medical oncologist who practices at Memorial Hermann Southwest. “In addition, by repeating PET/CT scans, we can gauge the success of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery in our cancer patients.”

PET, or positron emission tomography, provides the metabolic information. Prior to the test, the patient receives an injection of glucose tagged with a radioactive isotope. The amount of glucose consumed by cells reflects their metabolic activity. Positrons emitted by the isotopes give off gamma rays, which the computer converts into images.

“Malignant tumors have higher metabolic rates than normal tissue and typically show up as brighter images. PET/CT is particularly effective in identifying certain malignancies including lung, breast and colon cancers, as well as lymphomas,” said Dr. Velasquez.  “On the other hand, my colleagues in neurology look for decreased metabolic rates in certain parts of the brain, which can indicate Alzheimer’s disease.”

For more information about PET/CT scans, talk to your doctor or call Memorial Hermann Southwest at 713-456-5150.

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