Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of cancer and central nervous system diseases. Crozer-Keystone was the first health system in Delaware County to offer this leading-edge technology to our patients and physicians.

PET/CT is the fusion of two technologies: Positron Emission Technology (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). PET compares the differences in the amount of metabolic activity in abnormal tissues, such as cancerous tumors, to that of normal tissues to produce an image of the location and possible spread of the tumor in the body. CT directs multiple narrow beams of X-rays (radiation) around a body site. A computer is used to produce thin cross sectional views (like a slices of bread).

A PET scan is highly sensitive to the metabolic activity of tumors. CT provides a detailed internal picture of the size, shape and location of tumors. Combining the two technologies provides detailed information about the characteristics of the tumor and the location of the tumor. This information is vital to your doctor in determining how to treat you.

This technology is now being expanded to look at other types of diseases.  One of the new applications is the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Crozer-Keystone has a mobile PET/CT machine that is available at Springfield Hospital and Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Only your physician can determine if a PET/CT is appropriate for you. To schedule your PET/CT scan, call 610-447-2590 at Springfield Hospital and 610-284-8333 at Delaware County Memorial Hospital.

More information about your PET/CT scan and answers to your questions can be found at http://ckpetscan.crozer.org.