Providing a more accurate diagnosis

quality imaging capabilities are important to accurately detect and stage cancer.

State-of-the art imaging technology is an important tool in the diagnosis and staging of cancer, including re-staging throughout treatment. The technology at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center includes:

X-ray
Computed tomography (CT)
Positron emission tomography (PET)

We have one of the most advanced CT scanners specific for oncology, allowing our team to provide more personalized treatment options. Our 64-slice Siemens Confidence RT Pro offers oncology patients high image quality and dosage planning for radiation, as well as quick scan times.

We also very recently upgraded our positron emission tomography (PET) scanner to the most advanced model on the market. It integrates a high-performance PET and 64-slice computed tomography (CT) into one machine and shows the highest possible resolution for each organ. Accurate staging of cancer requires early detection of even small lesions and the combination of PET and CT is important because it allows for a more accurate diagnosis of disease than either CT or PET alone.

A PET/CT scan reveals information about the structure and function of cells and tissues in the body during a single test. This provides your doctor with a whole view of your body. The test allows your doctor to:

Diagnose disease
Determine the right treatment approach
Monitor your progress

The American College of Radiology has recognized our cancer center for clinical excellence in CT scan, PET scan, and low-dose CT lung screening. This gives our patients added peace of mind they are receiving the region’s highest quality diagnostic services at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.

Learn how can a CT or PET/CT scan can help you. Contact us for more information.

The Diagnostic Imaging Suite at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center is available through a generous donation to our Hope and Healing Campaign given by Klinger Companies, Inc. and Gleeson Family Foundation.

What to expect during a CT scan

How a PET/CT scan works

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a "donut shaped" scanner that uses x-rays to produce images of your body. Depending on the type of scan ordered by your physician, this can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Your doctor may also decide that it is beneficial for you to drink Barium that provides digestive tract details or have intravenous (IV) iodine-based contrast to show details of your vascular system.

At JENCC, our CT scanner is used to take diagnostic images for screenings, initial cancer staging, re-staging, and surveillance, as well as for radiation planning. Please inform the physician of any allergies and/or claustrophobia.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming CT appointment, please reach out to our qualified CT technologists at (712) 252-9396.

Cancer cells grow at a very fast rate and use glucose as a primary source of energy. The faster cells grow, the more they use glucose.

During a PET/CT scan, a form of glucose called FDG is injected into the patient. FDG is consumed more quickly by cancer cells than normal cells. This results in higher concentrations of FDG in areas of cancer. A PET/CT scan maps the location of these areas, confirming the presence of disease and its exact location in the body.

This helps your doctor make a diagnosis of cancer and its stage, or the extent to which cancer has spread in the body.

What to expect during a PET/CT scan

Specialized diagnostic scans and cancer screenings

Collaboration with Nebraska Medicine’s Radiologists

A PET/CT scan is a painless procedure that can vary in length depending on the part of the body that is being examined. Your doctor will provide you with specific information on your scan before it begins including:

How to prepare for your PET/CT scan
How long the PET/CT scan will take
What to expect after your PET/CT scan

During a PET/CT scan, you will be injected with a glucose or sugar solution that contains a very small amount of radioactive material through an IV or intravenous line. The solution is absorbed by the organs or tissues being examined. This process takes approximately 60 minutes.

Once you are ready for your scan, you will lay on an exam table and slide into the large, tunnel-shaped PET/CT scanner. The PET/CT scanner will then take images to see where the glucose is being consumed. Cancer cells use more glucose than normal cells.

The PET/CT scan will also determine the rate at which cancer cells are using the glucose. This helps your doctor determine the stage of cancer.

Your doctor will contact you after your scan with the results of your test and next steps in your treatment plan.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming PET/CT appointment, please reach out to our qualified PET/CT technologists at (712) 252-9441.

We offer a handful of very specialized scans for specific cancer diagnoses.

PET/CT Scan with Detectnet™: Detectnet™ is a radioactive diagnostic agent used with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging specifically used for detecting, staging, and restaging somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors. Detectnet replaces the octreotide scan with better imaging and quicker scan times. It is a newer diagnostic test and not every cancer center can do these scans. This scan can also be referred to as Cu-64 Dotatate Scan. Learn more about HERE.

Prostate cancer is one of the top 3 cancers diagnosed in the United States. Even though initial treatment for prostate cancer can be curative, up to 50% of patients experience a return or recurrence of the disease within 10 years.

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Scan: This is a specific type of PET scan that better identifies prostate cancer. The patient is injected with a radioactive agent called fluorodeoxyglucose F18 (FDG) or Gallium 68 (Ga68) that will attach to PSMA, which is a protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. This helps create a more clear, more detailed diagnostic image for your doctor which leads to a more informed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Axumin Scan: An Axumin scan is a special PET scan that can look for suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels after treatment. By continuously monitoring PSA levels following initial treatment, Axumin can be used as soon as PSA levels begin trending upward leading to quicker detection.

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center will accept referrals from any primary care or specialty physician for these scans that help in the early detection of prostate cancer in men. Talk to your physician about which scan is right for you. Once scheduled, we will provide further instructions for you.

The PSMA and Axumin scans are covered by most insurance plans, but each plan differs because is not considered a standard PET scan and may have different requirements for pre-authorization. Our clinic will work with your ordering physician to ensure pre-authorization of the scan.

The diagnostic technology at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center can also be used for cancer screenings.

Low Dose CT Lung Scan: Lung cancer is the leading cancer in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota according to the American Cancer Society. Because of the size of the lungs, tumors can grow for a while without causing symptoms. When lung cancer symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the type of lung cancer, location, and size of the tumor. Some lung cancer symptoms are similar to those of other common illnesses.
A low dose CT lung scan is a safe and non-invasive procedure with a minimal amount of radiation exposure. Annual lung screenings can find lung cancers in their earliest stage when the cancer is most easily treated.
The lung screening, offered year-round at our facility, is recommended for current or former smokers between the ages of 50 and 77. A physician order is required so speak to your primary care physician about this screening which is covered by most insurances.

The radiology imaging, including CT and PET scans performed at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center, are analyzed and interpreted by Nebraska Medicine’s Radiologists. Patients receive their scan here at our Center from our on-site staff and systems have been built with Nebraska Medicine to ensure a safe and effective work process for quick and accurate imaging interpretation services. Patients will receive a separate bill from Nebraska Medicine’s Radiology Services Department for doing the diagnostic reading of their scans.