MCG Health System has taken a step closer to improving the quality of cancer care throughout the region with the addition of the CSRA’s first Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) Scanner.

The new system combines the anatomic data from a CT scan with the metabolic data from a PET scan to obtain a comprehensive snapshot of the internal organs and tissues of the body. The fused images provide far more detail in a shorter period of time than conventional PET or CT scanners alone.

The applications are widespread, encompassing cardiology, neurology and, most significantly, oncology. The valuable data obtained from a PET/CT can lead to an earlier diagnosis of cancer, better tumor localization and a more complete evaluation of the stage of cancer, which aids physicians in planning the best course of treatment. Scans can also track progression of disease and effectiveness of treatment.

In addition, the technology has applications for use in research into innovations in cancer care, as well as neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

“MCG Health System is part of the East Central Georgia Cancer Network, which was recently granted designation as a Regional Program of Excellence by the Georgia Cancer Coalition. This state-of-the-art diagnostic tool will help support the coalition’s goals and have a significant effect on diagnosing and treating cancer in Georgia,” said Dr. James Rawson, Chief of Radiology at MCG Health System. “And with this innovative technology centrally located and available right here in Augusta, many more patients will have access to this equipment, particularly those in rural areas.”

Both adult and pediatric patients will be served by the PET/CT scanner. Other benefits include the machine’s open design, which increases patient comfort and enables the clinician to see and interact with the patient during the procedure. And by combining two technologies into one piece of equipment, questions can be answered in one visit rather than two. In addition, the equipment may also be used separately as either a PET or CT scanner, increasing access to these services in the Augusta area.

The Department of Radiology at MCG Health System has been recognized by the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) as among the top three performers in the nation. UHC is an alliance of the clinical enterprises of 87 academic medical centers.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.