A diameter of 1.5 mm may not seem like very much...but tell that to someone who is fighting cancer.

Nash Day Hospital's new PET scanner --- a Siemen's Biograph 6-has sophisticated HD technology that enables it to detect cancer legions as small as 2 mm in diameter. By comparison previous models could detect legions as small as 3.5 mm in diameter. The only other PET scanner in North Carolina with this sophisticated HD technology is in Chapel Hill.

"To have this advanced technology in Nash County is a huge benefit to the community; it will help diagnose cancer and provide information that will help physicians provide the best possible treatment plan for their patients," said Kendal Greco, chief nuclear medicine technologist. "I believe many in the community may not be aware of the superior medical technology that is available locally."

PET stands for positron emission technology. This is a diagnostic scan that provides information on how organs are functioning, which can help doctors diagnose certain types of cancer. They are instrumental determining the type and stage of cancer, especially those of the breast, brain, lung, prostate, colon and lymph system.

But how does the PET scanner work?

The PET scanner determines how the body metabolizes sugar. Because cancer cells "feed" on sugar, areas of high activity will be highlighted on the PET scanner. For the last five years, area patients have had access to a mobile PET scanner which was available each Saturday at Nash Day Hospital. However, this new PET scanner is permanently housed at the hospital.

On average, the new PET scanner has screened 15 patients a week since it was installed.

Patients who have questions about the PET scanner, and whether or not it may be appropriate to aid in their diagnosis should speak with their physicians.

Pictured with the new PET scanner are (from left) Steve Jones, director of imaging services, Angela Holloman, nuclear medicine technologist, and Kendal Greco, chief nuclear medicine technologist