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sonora regional medical center

Sonora Regional Imaging Center provides physicians and patients with an impressive range of the latest technology in diagnostic exams. However, some examinations will be offered exclusively at Sonora Regional Medical Center

PET/CT
Physicians at Sonora Regional Medical Center are now able to detect cancer in a more precise way, with a state-of-the-art mobile PET/CT scanner.  The new technology enables doctors to more accurately screen for cancer and pinpoint its exact location in the body. PET/CT compliments the full service Sonora Regional Cancer Center that includes medical oncology, radiation oncology and infusion services.

Both CT (computed tomography) and the newer PET (positron emission tomography) have added valuable dimensions to cancer diagnosis. A CT scan is a series of X-rays taken sequentially along the length of the body, producing images that resemble cross sections of organs and other structures. CT gives sharp views of anatomical features and differentiates between types of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. This modality reveals lesions, tumors, and metastases. 

PET scans focus more on how structures behave than on how they look. They detect the metabolic activity of tissues — how rapidly they are consuming the sugar that fuels biological growth. Cancerous tissue consumes sugar at a very high rate, which shows up on PET scans as bright areas. PET can distinguish between dead scar tissue and active cancer, and detect cancers at a smaller, earlier stage. [back to top]

Nuclear Medicine
Radiologists at Sonora Regional Medical Center are able to detect heart disease, cancer, infection and other disorders by evaluating organ function. Images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, patients are exposed to no more radiation than what is similar to that of a standard X-ray exam.

Nuclear Medicine examinations are available at Sonora Regional Medical Center. [back to top]

Cardiac Catheterization Lab
No longer do you have to travel long distances to get the best in cardiac care. The Medical Center's cardiac catheterization lab enables heart patients to have their diagnostic heart catheterizations close to home by our team of talented, invasive and interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons, providing you with greater access and convenience. [back to top]