Irving, TX, July 28, 2017 — When cancer is believed to have spread from an original location to another part of the body, accuracy in diagnosis is a must. Having a clear picture of the extent of the disease is simply critical for enabling doctors to develop the most appropriate treatment plan to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. While traditional bone scans are quite useful in this regard, a recent study has shed light on the enhanced potential a combined PET/MR scan may hold.

“The study found that a PET/MR scan was much more sensitive to picking up cancer’s spread to the skeletal system than a traditional bone scan,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder of PET/CT of Las Colinas. “The findings may have implications on screening down the road with the potential to improve diagnostics and possibly outcomes.”

The study in question involved more than 50 cancer patients, including men diagnosed with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer. The subjects underwent diagnostics with traditional bone scans and a low-dose tracer PET/MR scan, as well. When the findings were compared, the PET/MR scans produced superior results. That form of scan was able to detect bone metastases in 14 of the patients that bone scans alone missed. There was only one lesion found across the study group that the bone scan found, but the PET/MR did not.

“While more research is needed to back the results, the study’s findings are quite encouraging,” says Dr. Echt. “The PET/MR may very well provide the highly detailed information needed to effectively diagnose and treat metastatic cancers.”

People who are diagnosed with cancer are strongly urged to talk with their doctors about all imaging tests recommended. More advanced procedures, such as the PET/MR, may be indicated to enhance accuracy in diagnosis. For more information about PET/CT of Las Colinas, visit the imaging center online.

About PET/CT of Las Colinas
PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of our patients. We understand that the foundation of a successful treatment plan – or a clean bill of health – begins with sophisticated, accurate imagery. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of care.Our imaging center is located conveniently across the highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on Highway 161 in Irving, TX. and – once here – we offer hassle-free curbside parking.