PEM at ZP
Zwanger-Pesiri specializes in proactive health care by using cutting edge technology. PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) is a new and extremely effective technique for detecting and managing breast cancer.
PEM scanners at ZP significantly improve the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions (as small as 1.5 mm).
ZP is the only facility in the USA to offer both PEM and BSGI at the same office. We are proud to have one out of the two PEM units and one out of the four BSGI units on all of Long Island.
What is PEM?
PEM stands for Positron Emission Mammography and uses the same principles as a PET scan, but is organ specific to the breast. It is a high resolution functional scan of the breast.
Using nuclear medicine imaging techniques, a PEM scan shows the metabolism of the tissues of the breast at the cellular level. This enables doctors to see a "snap shot" of the cellular activity occurring in the breast to diagnose cancer, rather than rely on the
appearance of tissues for their diagnosis.
PEM can detect very small areas of cancer, otherwise undetectable by alternative imaging techniques. However, PEM is not intended to replace standard screening mammograms or other breast imaging techniques. It is a secondary tool used to assist in refining or
following a particular diagnosis and/or course of treatment.
PEM enables surgeons to more accurately stage lesions and plan surgeries, which can lead to fewer biopsies and better breast conservation strategies. PEM also helps medical oncologists monitor patient responses to radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
How does PEM work?
PEM is performed on a machine similar to that used for a mammography. Like a mammogram, plates compress the breast tissue. However, these special plates are equipped with PEM detectors, rather than standard mammogram plates.
A small amount of a radioactive material, or radiotracer, is injected into your body and is given time to be absorbed by the cells. A specially developed scanner records images of the breast and measures the accumulation of the radiotracer. More radiotracer material will accumulate in the cells with higher chemical activity, which generally corresponds to areas of disease or “hot spots” on the study.
How do I prepare for a PEM scan?
When scheduling your appointment (online or by phone), provide us with your email address and we will send you personalized forms with your information already filled in.
You will only have to update or add any missing information. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading the PEM forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office.
Wear shorts, pants or a skirt so you will only have to remove your bra and top. A gown will be provided.
You must not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam time. However, you may take your medication with a few sips of water. For 24 hours prior to your exam, eat a low-carb diet and avoid any strenuous activity.
Bring with you to the appointment:
- Prescription from your doctor.
- Current insurance card.
- Authorization number from your insurance carrier.
- Any forms you completed at home.
- Credit card or cash for your insurance co-pay.
- Any breast imaging studies from another facility. We like to compare the new PEM scan with previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
- Picture identification.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
What happens during a PEM scan?
You will remove your bra and top, and a gown will be provided. The technologist will review your medical history with you.
About 1 hour prior to the exam, the nurse or technologist
takes a drop of blood to test your blood
sugar level. Following the blood test, a pharmaceutical tracing agent (radiotracer) is
administered through an I.V.
You will be brought to a quiet area to rest for 45 minutes to allow the radiotracer to circulate through your body and be absorbed by the cells. The radiotracer is taken up by both normal and abnormal tissue, according to their metabolic rate.
You will then be brought into the PEM room and will sit in a comfortable chair. The plates of the PEM machine will be positioned to capture images of your breast with very little compression and the scanning will begin.
Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 hours to help flush the radiotracer out of your system.
The entire scan takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how many views are being taken.
What will I do when I arrive for a PEM scan?
Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:
- Have diabetes.
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breast feeding.
- Have any breast imaging studies from another facility. We like to compare the new PEM scan with previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
When can I expect the results?
One of our board certified nuclear medicine radiologists interprets your PEM images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed.
The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within two or three days.
Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.
All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal.
