Cancer Cells Have a Sweet Tooth

You probably know that cancer cells are distinguished, in part, by their rapid division and growth. What you might not know is that those cells need sugar energy to feed their frenzied spread. That allows us to use a PET/CT scan to detect cancer cells. And now you can easily and quickly schedule that scan at Trinity Health Michigan.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is a complex business, in part because there are so many different types of cancers. PET/CT technology is an important part of that process.

How does a PET/CT scan work? “Cancer cells are active, dividing and multiplying rapidly,” said Radiologist Jeffrey Stuk, DO. “Those hungry cells need sugar for energy. During a PET/CT scan, we inject the patient with a combination of a low-level radioactive tracer and sugar. Then we scan to find the highest levels of activity in the body. The most active cells — the cancerous ones — show up clearly because they take in more of the tracer and sugar mixture.”

A PET/CT scan is typically used in three different ways. First, a physician can order the scan if a diagnostic test, such as a mammogram has detected an area of concern. Second, a physician might order a PET/CT scan to assess how far cancer has spread in the body. It’s a tool to help physicians determine what “stage” the cancer has reached. And third, a PET/CT scan can be used during cancer treatment to determine what impact the treatment is having.

PET and CT scans used to be performed separately. The newer PET/CT technology is a combination scan that overlays cell activity onto a precise map of the body. In addition to being more detailed, it’s also a bit safer for the patient because both scans are done at once.

“This technology allows us to pinpoint the precise location of cancer cells and helps us make sure we don’t miss anything,” continued Dr. Stuk.

This procedure may sound risky, but it’s actually not. “The benefit of one or two PET/CT scans per year far outweighs the risks,” said Dr. Stuk.

Trinity Health now shares a mobile PET/CT scanner among its lakeshore locations, including Grand Haven. It is in Grand Haven one day per week, typically on Thursdays. That’s a significant benefit for patients. Trinity Health Grand Rapids has stationery PET/CT technology.

“When you have heard the ‘C’ word from your doctor, the last thing you want to do is wait for a test,” noted Dr. Stuk. “Patients will be able to get their scans scheduled much more quickly. Our board–certified radiologists, like myself, will typically read those scans in 24 hours or less. Patients and their physicians will have accurate, reliable answers quickly.”

In addition, free valet parking is a benefit to cancer patients, many of whom are exhausted and have compromised immune systems.

“As the patient, you can and should request to have your PET/CT scan done in the place that provides you with high quality results, less travel and less stress,” added Dr. Stuk. “Your doctor will get exactly the same information, and it’s easier for you.“

If you need a PET/CT scan, ask your doctor to schedule it at a Trinity Health Michigan location.