Because the PET scan provides metabolic diagnostics unlike other radiologic diagnostic studies such as the traditionally used mammogram, CT and MRI, it affords earlier detection of malignancy, differentiation of benign vs. malignant lesions, the detection of metastatic disease in normal-size lymph nodes and the assessment of early tumor treatment efficacy. Until now, the PET scan has not been rapidly integrated into popular medicine due to its $1 million to $2.5 million machine cost. Hospital CAT scan and MRI procedures cost $1100 and $1500 respectively, compared to a PET scan fee of $3000. Recent approval by Medicare in 2002 may affect the cost effectiveness for hospitals’ use of the PET scan.

Stanford Hospital and clinics now have a powerful new diagnostic imaging system known as PET/CT. This hybrid technology combines the strengths of two well-established imaging modalities in one imaging session to more accurately diagnose and locate cancers while increasing patient comfort. Clinical research has shown that in comparison to a PET scan alone, PET/CT technology provides new information that can alter a patient’s treatment plan to better target the cancer in approximately one-third of the cases. It is particularly useful in cancers of the head and neck, lung, colon, thyroid and breast, along with lymphoma and melanoma. A PET/CT scan is non-invasive, painless and takes about 30 minutes. Private insurance and Medicare cover the procedure. Stanford physicians will use the scanner to detect and stage cancers and also to monitor patients’ response to treatment. “This scanner combines the best of PET with the best of CT and the sum of the two is clearly greater than its parts,” Said Robert Herfkens, MD, Professor of Radiology.