A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner, which in appearance resembles a CT scanner, shows the function of cells and organs and detects diseases in their early stages to diagnose and treat patients as soon as possible. PET is capable of identifying areas of tumor involvement that are not visible on any other imaging technique. Once treatment has begun, PET offers more accurate monitoring of therapeutic efficiency.

PET imaging also has several important neurological applications. For focal epilepsy patients, it helps surgeons pinpoint the surgical site for resection, eliminating the need for expensive and invasive methods. PET is also the most accurate way to differentiate Alzheimer's from other forms of dementia. Because drugs that can significantly improve quality of life for Alzheimer's patients are now available, early detection of the disease is crucial. PET also greatly enhances the ability to diagnose involuntary movement disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Tourette's Syndrome.

In March 2001, Methodist Healthcare was the first to bring this technology to Memphis with the opening of the PET Imaging Center at 1388 Madison Avenue. For more information on the Memphis Regional PET Imaging Center, click here.