[lou_lou]

http://www.drugs.com/cg/positron-emi...ient-care.html

http://interactive.snm.org/index.cfm?PageID=972

PET and CT or MRI
Because PET measures metabolism, as opposed to MRI or CT, which "see" structure, it can be superior to these modalities, particularly in separating tumor from benign lesions, and in differentiating malignant from non-malignant masses such as scar tissue formed from treatments like radiation therapy. PET is often used in conjunction with an MRI or CT scan through "fusion" to give a full three-dimensional view of an organ and the location of cancer within that organ. The newest PET scanners are a combination of PET and CT devices that provide the important metabolic information from PET superimposed on the high-quality anatomic information from CT.

Neurological Disease
PET's ability to measure metabolism also has significant implications in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and other neurological conditions, because it can vividly illustrate areas where brain activity differs from the norm.

Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Until recently, autopsy has been considered the only definitive test for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies indicate that PET can supply important diagnostic information and confirm an Alzheimer's diagnosis. When comparing a normal brain versus an AD-affected brain on a PET scan, a distinctive image appears in the area of the AD-affected brain. This pattern is seen very early in the AD course. Conventionally, the confirmation of AD is a long process of elimination that averages between two and three years of diagnostic and cognitive testing. Early diagnosis can provide the patient access to therapies, which are more effective earlier in the disease.

I have never had a PET SCAN?

[ginnie]

Dear Lou Lou, I hope you got some help. Are you going to have the test that you mentioned? Good luck to you in your search for a caring doctor. I still think about you Lou Lou, and pray for your success. Be well. ginnie