How does PET or PET•CT differ from CT and MRI alone?
CT and MRI scans are anatomic imaging modalities, which means they look at the size and shape of organs and body structures. Therefore, they can be useful in determining the size and location of a tumor; however, neither of them can determine whether a tumor is still active. A PET or PET•CT scan is a metabolic imaging modality, which means it looks at function. The information collected from a PET or PET•CT scan is different from any other test that is available. Here at St. Francis Hospital, we provide our patients a dedicated PET•CT scan.
