From 5 July, the radiology department in Harderwijk will be using a new PET/CT scan. The scanner provides information about the internal tissue in one examination and can quickly and accurately detect tumors and inflammatory processes. By offering this research, patients at St Jansdal are less dependent on other centers for this.
Nuclear radiologist, Susan Meijer: “The PET/CT scan is a combined examination that uses radioactive material and X-rays. It is a safe and reliable technique that allows us to visualize both physiology and anatomy. The research is of great value in detecting and localizing malignant tumors and inflammatory processes.”
Oncological diagnostics
The new PET/CT scan will initially only be used for oncological diagnostics. Meijer: “We are going to use the PET/CT scan for the time being in breast and lung cancer patients. Using the scanner, we can see where the tumor is and how extensive it is. We can also say something about the effect of any treatment on the tumor. In the near future, the scanner will also be used in patients who have another form of cancer or benign conditions.”
Care close by
Maud Keltjens, head of radiology and function department, is pleased with the introduction of the PET/CT scan. “By offering these imaging diagnostics, we bring healthcare closer to home. Patients under our treatment can now be examined in their familiar environment and do not have to travel to another hospital.”
The PET/CT scan will be used for three half-days a week, so that an average of nine patients will be examined in a week. This will be extended to several days and eventually to an average of ten patients in one day, for five days a week.
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