Lakewood, NJ - PET/CT is a multi-functional
diagnostic tool which combines two scanning techniques – the
PET (Positron Emission Tomography), which shows functional
activity in the body, and the CT (Computed Tomography), which
shows detailed structural anatomy. The PET/CT scan permits
accurate tumor detection and localization for a variety of
cancers, including melanoma, lymphoma, lung, colorectal,
head and neck, and ovarian cancers. The enhanced imaging
tools can also provide early detection of the recurrence
of cancers, revealing tumors that may otherwise be obscured
by the scaring that results from surgery and radiation therapy.
A PET exam detects changes in cellular function; changes
in your body that can not be seen physically. Therefore,
PET provides information that enables your physician to make
an early diagnosis before any physical symptoms are experienced.
A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and computers to give
the radiologist a quick and non-invasive way to observe inside
your body. Physicians are presented with 3-D images for in-depth
clinical evaluation. When these two scans are combined together,
your physician can view metabolic changes in the proper anatomical
context of our body.
The PET/CT scan enables doctors to obtain increasingly defined
3D images from the inside of the human body. “The ability
to pinpoint the exact location of disease paired with the
ability to predict and monitor the outcomes of therapy will
provide earlier and more accurate treatment of disease. Doctors
will use the PET/CT scan to provide patients with information
that may help to specify and improve treatment, so that patients
can get the best care,” explains Bharat Patel, MD,
Radiologist at Kimball Medical Center.
Dr. Patel is a Neuroradiologist who specializes in reading
PET/CT scans. Dr. Patel received his medical degree
at SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse College of Medicine. He
completed a medical internship at Medical College of Pennsylvania
and a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at UMDNJ, where he
was Chief Resident. Dr. Patel completed a fellowship
in Neuroradiology at Beth Israel Medical Center.
The entire test takes approximately two hours from registration
to discharge, and includes an injection of a radioactive
agent, which takes 45 minutes to metabolize, followed by
the actual scan, which takes 20 – 30 minutes. The
system is designed to be very accessible and comfortable
for patients, while providing exceptional image quality and
accuracy of diagnostic information for referring physicians.
Kimball radiologists are highly experienced and perform
over 90,000 imaging studies annually. All Kimball radiologists
are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and
are fellowship-trained, and offer expertise in a wide range
of areas. Each is highly specialized in areas including
neuroimaging, musculo-skeletal, body imaging, vascular and
general radiology. The radiology team also includes
registered nurses and professional certified radiologic technologists,
who all work together to provide the highest quality imaging
results possible.
Kimball offers a full array of state-of-the-art diagnostic
imaging services including:
- Diagnostic X-Ray
- Computed Tomography Scans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- PET/CT Scans (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed
Tomography combined)
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Bone Density Testing
In addition, the radiology department offers immediate appointment
availability, high resolution images and quick turnaround
time, so patients get their results faster.
For further information about the Radiology Department at
Kimball Medical Center or to schedule a test or procedure,
please call the Radiology Access Line at 1-888-724-7123 and
press option 2. If you would like to schedule an appointment
with an oncologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please
call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: July 21, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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