AL AIN // A specialist imaging facility that will help doctors to diagnose and treat cancer as well as heart and brain disorders was officially opened yesterday next to Tawam Hospital.
The Tawam Molecular Imaging Centre is the first in the country to offer positron emission X-ray computed tomography (PET-CT) and 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T-MRI) under one roof.
The PET-CT system gives doctors a three-dimensional image that shows metabolic activity and abnormal tissue. It is the fastest and most accurate machine of its kind.
Dr Thomas Heston, the centre's medical director, said the PET-CT system will provide a better view of how tissues were functioning, as well as their physical shape - which will help doctors spot cancer.
"With CT technology alone, doctors can see cancerous cells but can also miss some," he said.
"What PET-CT technology does is helps doctors not to miss things. The obvious benefit of this is the early detection of cancer."
The 3-Tesla imaging unit produces up to 16 sharp, fast scans a day.
Waleed al Mokarrab al Muhairi, the chief operating officer of Mubadala, which owns the centre, said it would set "the very highest standards in medical treatment and patient care".
ealghalib@thenational.ae
