Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center
The Houston Cancer Institute, PA established the imaging center in 2009 for the convenience of our patients, and to ensure access to state-of-the-art cancer diagnostics imaging services.
The Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center is:
Accredited by the American College of Radiology
- Certified by the State of Texas
- Staffed by experienced Board Certified Radiologists and Nuclear Medicine Specialists
- Committed to high-quality service with 24-48 hour turnaround reporting capability for routine cases and same-day reporting for expedited and urgent cases.
Cancer Diagnostic imaging services provided by the Center:
- PET/CT
- CAT scans
- General and Vascular Ultrasounds
- Radiology
- DEXA Bone Density
- Echocardiography
What are cancer diagnostics?
Cancer diagnostics is a term for the tests and procedures you might require when you have symptoms of cancer or need to undergo cancer screening.
Your diagnostic journey begins with a consultation where your provider at the Houston Cancer Institute reviews your medical history, family history and current symptoms. They also perform a physical examinations and routine checks of your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs.
In many cases, your provider forms a preliminary diagnosis based on the information they gather at your consultation. However, they will then need to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other potential causes and assess the potential extent of your condition. To achieve this, the Houston Cancer Institute has sophisticated onsite diagnostic facilities.
What sort of imaging tests do cancer diagnostics include?
There are several types of imaging tests used in cancer diagnostics, including:
PET/CT scans
PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) scans use cutting-edge technology to detect even the early signs of cancer. When you have a PET/CT scan, the technician injects you with a radioactive tracer that helps to detect cancer cells. A PET/CT scan creates 3D images that enable the accurate diagnosis of many types of cancer.
Houston Cancer Institute has open PET/CT scanners for cancer diagnostics. Its facilities have accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and board-certified radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists examining the scans.
CAT Scans
The team at Houston Cancer Institute also offers CAT scans for diagnostic and cancer treatment options. CAT scans are an effective way to determine tumor size, shape and location. From this information, the team is able to develop cancer treatment plan for patients.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds use sound waves at frequencies you cannot hear to create moving images of tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are a useful tool for examining tumors, cysts and parts of your body that are not clearly displayed on X-rays. Your provider might use ultrasound to identify tissues for biopsy.
DEXA scan
A DEXA scan examines your bone density. It uses low-dose X-rays to measure calcium and other bone minerals. DEXA scans help to show the thickness and strength (density) of your bones. Houston Cancer Institute uses DEXA scans to monitor bone thinning (osteopenia) and osteoporosis (advanced bone thinning) for patients undergoing certain cancer treatments.
X-rays
X-rays are useful for examining dense areas of the body such as the bones, lungs, joints and the abdomen.
What other sorts of tests might cancer diagnostics involve?
Most patients have blood drawn for lab analysis when they show potential symptoms of cancer. Patients also can benefit from performing genetic testing, which is becoming increasingly important in cancer diagnostics.
Using blood, the Houston Cancer Institute team can detect hereditary conditions and gene abnormalities that could increase a patient’s risk of cancer.
To find out more about cancer diagnostics and the excellent onsite facilities at the Houston Cancer Institute, please call the nearest office or book an appointment online.
To find out more about the Cancer Diagnostic imaging capabilities at the Houston Diagnostics and PET/CT Center, please call your nearest Houston Cancer Institute location for more information.
To schedule your next test, please call our staff at 713-973-9844.
Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center Location
1220 Blalock Road, Suite 100
Houston, Texas, 77055
Hours of Operation: 8.00 am – 5:00 pm
Telephone: 713 973 9844
Fax: 713 722 0130
Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT center’s main entrance is located under the awning and accessed from the parking lot. Parking is free for all patients and accompanying family members.