Combined PET/CT scanning joins two imaging tests, CT and positron emission tomography (PET), into one PROCEDURE. A PET scan creates colored pictures of chemical changes (metabolic activity) in tissues. Because cancerous tumors usually are more active than normal tissue, they appear different on a PET scan. Combining CT with PET scanning may provide a more complete picture of a tumor location and growth or spread than EITHER test alone. Researchers HOPE that the combined procedure will improve health care professionals’ ability to diagnose cancer, determine how far it has spread, and follow patients’ responses to treatment. The combined PET/CT scan may also reduce the NUMBER of additional imaging tests and other procedures a patient NEEDS. However, this new technology is currently available only at some facilities.

Combined PET/CT scanning joins two imaging tests, CT and positron emission tomography (PET), into one procedure. A PET scan creates colored pictures of chemical changes (metabolic activity) in tissues. Because cancerous tumors usually are more active than normal tissue, they appear different on a PET scan. Combining CT with PET scanning may provide a more complete picture of a tumor location and growth or spread than either test alone. Researchers hope that the combined procedure will improve health care professionals’ ability to diagnose cancer, determine how far it has spread, and follow patients’ responses to treatment. The combined PET/CT scan may also reduce the number of additional imaging tests and other procedures a patient needs. However, this new technology is currently available only at some facilities.