PET/CT Center

Through a joint community effort, Catawba Valley Medical Center has been able to bring PET/CT scanning – a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging – to the Catawba Valley region.

The fastest growing, most accurate diagnostic imaging procedure available in a clinical setting, PET/CT imaging significantly enhances our physicians’ ability to accurately identify and treat life threatening illnesses and disease, particularly among cancer patients. It represents the fusion of a fast, multi-detector spiral CT scanner and a state-of-the-art, high-resolution PET scanner.

PET scanning detects the presence of cancerous lesions in the body but cannot necessarily pinpoint their locations. By simultaneously using the spiral CT scanner, clinicians can create a refined, three-dimensional image that shows exactly where the lesion is located. The PET/CT process takes less time than a traditional PET scan and enables physicians to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis more quickly.

How does PET/CT technology in improved patient outcomes for cancer, heart and neurological conditions?

• Serves as a test for early detection of recurrent cancer.
• Accurately assess the location and stage of malignancy prior to surgery for cancer.
• Replaces multiple medical testing procedures with a single exam, while producing imaging information of superior quality to help physicians make more accurate decisions for treatment regimen.
• Faster scan times and a larger opening in our advanced Siemens Biograph mCT is widely preferred by patients as it reduces anxiety and concerns about claustrophobia or fear related to being in a confined spaces.

For more information, please call 828.485.2718. The PET/CT Center is located at 235 18th Street SE in Hickory, North Carolina in the Unifour Medical Commons off of Tate Boulevard