Florida Hospital Altamonte continues to be at the forefront of the most sophisticated technology for cancer detection and treatment in Seminole County. The recent addition of positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) and digital mammography capabilities allows Florida Hospital Altamonte to ensure the highest level of care.

Pinpoint precision
A PET scan is a non-invasive technique that helps doctors visualize how cells and/or organs absorb glucose, the basic component cells use for energy. By monitoring glucose metabolism, PET pinpoints cancer-cell activity. In cancer, changes in body chemistry occur before a tumor forms. As a result, PET can often identify the presence of disease earlier than tests that look for a tumor enabling physicians to make early diagnoses.

A CT scan uses x-rays and computers to give the radiologist a non-invasive way to see inside the body. One advantage is its ability to rapidly take two-dimensional pictures of body. These 2-D images can be presented in 3-D for in-depth evaluation.

By combining these two technologies into one test, the PET-CT scanner revolutionizes cancer care by providing detailed information for diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up. The combined image shows the cancer in the exact location within the body.

Moving forward
Florida Hospital will soon add an additional digital mammography site in Seminole County. Currently available at FRi in Lake Mary, Florida Hospital will also add the new advanced technology in Altamonte Springs.

Among the advantages of digital mammography versus film mammography is less radiation and better visualization of dense breasts. Digital technology takes an elec­tronic image and stores it directly in a computer, where it can be viewed and specific areas can be enlarged or highlighted. If there is a suspicious area, doctors use the computer to take a closer look. The images also can be sent from one location to another.

If cancer is detected, Florida Hospital Altamonte Cancer Institute’s Cancer Specialist Clinic provides patients the best insight into their conditions and expedites their treatment.

As the only multidisciplinary breast clinic of its kind in Central Florida, Florida Hospital brings together the expertise of a team that includes medical and radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, and additional cancer-care resources in one convenient appointment for compre­hensive examination, testing, diagnosis and treatment planning—saving patients precious time and providing answers they need to move forward with confidence.

Florida Hospital Altamonte, 601 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs; 407.303.2200;
floridahospitalaltamonte.com.

Learn more about cancer Thursday, July 23 at 6:00pm. Lisa Minton, MD, general surgeon and breast expert, discusses cancer prevention and detection. A lecture for men will take place simultaneously. Thomas Cangiano, MD, Urologist, will discuss innovative surgeries for cancers linked specifically to men. For more information on any of these services or to RSVP to the lectures, call 407.303.1700.

S