New PET technology educates you and your doctor. (Valley Education).

When dealing with cancer, heart disease or brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance for successful treatment. And new technology for diagnosis, called positron emission tomography, or "PET," is available at Providence Saint Joseph. Medical Center in Burbank.

PET scans can detect very small cancerous tumors, and can also see subtle changes in the brain and heart long before other medical scans can.

PET is a procedure that allows physicians to measure the body's abnormal molecular cell activity to detect cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.

PET scans are simple, painless and quick, offering patients and their families information that can lead to early disease detection diagnosis and treatment.

PET and molecular imaging provide information to better diagnose illness guide treatment options and give patients ultimate control over their critical health care decisions.

What is PET?

A PET scan takes an image of your body. The more common medical tests, such as CT and MRI scans, show details only about the structure of your body. PET is different in that it provides information about metabolic function.

Why does PET work?

PET gives information about the body's chemistry that is not available with other imaging techniques. Because PET often reveals illnesses much earlier than coventional diagnostic procedures, it could reduce the chance of ineffective or unnecessary surgeries, treatments or other diagnostic tests.

If you want to know if a PET scan is an option for you, consult with your hysician. For more information about PET or other new technologies at Providence Saint Joseph or Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, call toll free 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).