PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computerized Tomography) are standard imaging tools that allow physicians to determine the location of cancer within the body, thus resulting in better treatment recommendations. At Umhlanga Molecular Imaging and Therapy, we have installed the latest multi-detector PET scan and CT systems to provide the highest resolution images of all organs in the human body.
Although each system is beneficial on its own, when the results of PET and CT scans are combined, it provides imagery with complete information on cancer within the body. Making the simultaneous use of both scans favourable. Because the PET scan is highly sensitive, it can detect all signs of growing cancer cells in the body. While the CT scan provides detailed images of the internal bodily structure, revealing the location, size, and shape of any and all abnormal cancerous growths.
A PET scan in Durban begins with an injection of a glucose solution that has to be adjoined with a radioactive chemical isotope. Metabolically active organs or tumours then consume the glucose at high rates and emits positrons as the adjoined glucose starts to decay. The positrons collide with electrons, releasing gamma rays which the computer converts into images. These images show the “hot spots” that often indicates rapidly growing tumours.
A CT scan in Durban sends x-rays through the body. The x-rays are then measured by the detectors in the CT scanner, which sends the identified measurements to the computer to produce pictures of the internal anatomy.