PET/CT Imaging
PET/CT Imaging at the Swedish Cancer Institute was one of the first in the nation to offer computer-aided advanced lung nodule detection and analysis, a state-of-the-art set of imaging and analysis tools that can benefit patients with lung cancer or patients at risk for lung cancer. PET/CT Imaging at the Swedish Cancer Institute was developed through a partnership between Swedish, Seattle Nuclear Medicine and Tumor Institute Radiation Oncology Group.
Physicians are using PET/CT exams to help diagnose and assess a variety of cancers, including but not limited to breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, soft tissue sarcoma and thyroid cancer.
Additionally, PET/CT exams help radiation oncologists during treatment planning phase. PET/CT exams help radiation oncologists target the exact location of the tumor for radiation treatment, determine appropriate dosage levels, and minimize damage to healthy tissue in the process.
PET/CT imaging is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools that physicians can use to help diagnose and treat patients with cancer. PET/CT exams have proven invaluable in helping oncologists with their management of treatment for patients with cancer, along with their determination of the exact location of the tumor for radiation treatment planning.
Allows physicians to see where disease tissue ends and healthy tissue begins. The scanner detects the metabolic activity of cells, which helps physicians better understand changes at the cellular level that could be early indications of cancer.
Allows physicians to see detailed anatomy of the scanned area of the body. The scanner creates images of bones, muscles, organs and other tissues.
These documents will help you prepare for your visit:
- PET/CT (18F-FDG) body imaging
- PET/CT (18F-FDG) brain imaging for dementia
- PET/CT (18F-FDG) brain imaging for epilepsy
- PET/CT (18F-FDG) brain imaging for oncology
- PET/CT (68Ga-DOTATATE) body imaging (ie, NETSPOT)
- PET/CT (18F-Amyloid) brain imaging
- PET/CT (18F-FES) body imaging (ie. Cerianna)
- PET/CT (PSMA-18F-Pylarify and 68Ga-Illuccix) Body Imaging
If you have a MyChart account, please note the appointment time listed on your PET/CT and/or CT exam is the time you go onto the scanner table – not your check-in time. We will call you prior to the appointment day and let you know your check-in time.
- Drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to clear out any residual radiopharmaceutical from your body
- You may resume your regular diet and regular activity
- You may experience loose stools from the oral contrast
- Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and the results will be sent to your physician within 24-48 hours. You will discuss the results with your ordering physician.