The capital of Tolima is one of the eight cities in Colombia that has this technology, which is located in Clinaltec. Ibagué
No more long waiting times and referrals to other cities in the country. Ibagué is now one of the eight cities nationwide that have PET-CT technology for the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer.r, being the only service of its kind in the Tolima, Huila and Eje Cafetero region.
According to Dr. José Mosquera, a physician specializing in Nuclear Medicine and head of this service at Clinaltec, among the benefits of this technology are more accurate diagnoses and the possibility of evaluating the effectiveness of the treatments.
"Our PET-CT technology unites Nuclear Medicine images with Radiology images, being of great utility, especially for patients with an oncological diagnosis. We can also use it in patients with certain types of neurological and other diagnoses," he explained.
He also pointed out that, another major benefits, both for patients and physicians, are the waiting times to schedule appointments and perform the studies.
"We have a great advantage because we can offer 48-hour scheduling and a one-week turnaround time for the study."said Dr. Mosquera.
Other main advantages are:
- Determine if the cancer has metastasized.
- Determine if the cancer has returned after treatment.
- Evaluate the evolution of the disease: the likelihood of recovery or recurrence of the disease.
- To determine the effects of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) on areas of the heart.
- Evaluate abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors, memory problems, epileptic seizures and other central nervous system problems.
- Map the normal function of the human brain and heart.
A safe study for patients
One of the most common fears about this type of technology is about radiation, since these studies require radiopharmaceuticals. However, the specialist emphasized that the doses are minimal and safe for patients.
"For the performance of PET-CT studies We have very modern, state-of-the-art equipment, which allows us to use very low doses of radiation.. Sometimes up to a third or a quarter of that used by other equipment, making it a very safe study for the patient," he said.
The arrival of PET-CT studies in Ibagué not only represents a great advantage for patients and health professionals, but also consolidates investment in the health sector and strengthens the network of services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the city.The company is located in the department of Tolima, neighboring municipalities and nearby cities.
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