Weather Operations Update – January 26, 2026
Due to weather conditions, PET Imaging locations will operate as follows:
Tulsa will be closed today (January 26, 2026) due to weather conditions.
The Woodlands and Sugar Land plan to open at 12:00 PM CST today.
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if hours change. Please stay safe.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from hormone-producing cells and can occur in various parts of the body, including the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. NETs often express somatostatin receptors, which can be targeted using special PET/CT tracers such as Gallium-68 DOTATATE. This imaging allows for precise detection, staging, and monitoring of neuroendocrine cancers.
Highly sensitive in detecting both primary tumors and small metastases
Provides more accurate staging than conventional imaging
Helps guide treatment planning, including surgery, targeted therapy, or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)
Non-invasive and generally well tolerated
Often replaces multiple other imaging tests with a single comprehensive scan
This scan may be recommended for patients with:
Newly diagnosed neuroendocrine tumors
Suspected recurrence or spread of NETs
Evaluation of treatment response
Determining suitability for targeted therapies such as PRRT
Pre-Scan Preparation: Most patients do not need special preparation, though your doctor may provide specific instructions based on your case.
Tracer Injection: A small amount of radioactive tracer (such as Ga-68 DOTATATE) is injected intravenously. This tracer specifically binds to somatostatin receptors on NET cells.
Uptake Period: You will rest for 45–60 minutes as the tracer binds to tumor cells.
Scan: The PET/CT scan takes 20–40 minutes. The scanner is quiet and open on both ends.
Results: Findings are typically sent to your doctor within 24–48 hours.
Neuroendocrine tumors are rare cancers that start in hormone-producing cells. They may grow slowly or aggressively, depending on the type. Symptoms can vary widely, but may include flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, or unexplained weight loss. Because NETs often remain undetected until advanced stages, precise imaging is critical to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Neuroendocrine PET/CT imaging is considered a gold standard for detecting NETs. By locating tumors more precisely than standard scans, it empowers doctors to choose the most effective treatments and improve patient outcomes.