Bluefield Regional Medical Center has added the latest, most advanced whole-body imaging technology to its line-up of radiology services. The technique is called positron emission tomography (PET) and these cutting-edge nuclear medicine scans will enhance the ability of physicians at the hospital to detect and treat many different types of cancer.

"Whole-body PET are revolutionizing the world of diagnostic imaging, and we're excited to be one of the first hospitals in our area to offer this amazing technology to our physicians and patients," explains Tammy Halsey, director of marketing and public relations at BRMC. "In the field of cancer, PET is the only modality that can accurately image many organs at one time to diagnose malignancy and even provide information about whether or not cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The new PET scans here at BRMC will positively impact many lives throughout the community."

According to Halsey, the new GE Advance PET scanner will arrive at Bluefield Regional Medical Center this week. "Dr. Joel Schor, an oncologist here at the hospital, has ordered the first two scans and they will be performed on Tuesday, January 23," notes Halsey. "The PET scanner will be available for studies every other Tuesday, and we will expand the service as patient volume increases."

For the patient, PET is a safe and painless procedure, which typically takes about one hour to complete. This molecular imaging procedure generates pictures of the precise location and extent of disease. By imaging the molecular, biological and functional basis for disease, PET enables a physician to detect abnormal cell growth and activity. This information aids in the early detection and improved treatment of cancer, allowing enhanced capabilities in pre-surgical staging, elimination of invasive procedures, enhanced therapy monitoring capabilities, and a reduction in the number of diagnostic tests performed.

Daniel M. Fowler, M.D., the Radiology Medical Director at BRMC, says that whole-body PET scans were pioneered by scientists at UCLA and the technology has resulted in a convincing body of knowledge that can now be applied to benefit patients with cancer. "PET offers a comprehensive assessment for both initial staging of newly diagnosed cancers ranging from lymphoma to lung tumors, as well as in treatment. The extent and stage of disease can be determined accurately to enable a rational decision for effective patient management," states Dr. Fowler.

According to Dr. Fowler, Anatomical imaging procedures such as CT or MRI frequently cannot distinguish between malignant and benign disease. "Prior to PET, invasive tissue biopsies were frequently the only means to assess the nature of a tumor," notes Dr. Fowler.

For now, whole-body PET scans are ordered primarily for patients with cancer. Doctors at Bluefield Regional Medical Center are hopeful this invaluable diagnostic tool soon will be approved to help diagnose and treat other conditions such as heart disease and neurological disorders.

For more information about whole-body PET imaging scans, ask your doctor or call the Radiology Department at BRMC at (304)327-1560.

Nuclear Medicine Supervisor - Mark Collins 327-1560.

Back