Are PET scans conclusive??

rory
rory Member Posts: 30
edited March 2014 in Emotional Support #1
My name is Rory. My doctor has decided to have me go thru a PET scan as they have found on a CT scan a small spot on my right lung and will better be able to visualize my left lung. I am also scheduled for a mammogram. From my research I understand that the PET is a good tool, but what is your experience. The doc has yet to rule out lung cancer, sarcoma, breast cancer, or non-Hodgkins. Will the PET scan tell all or should I expect even more tests? The waiting is hard for my family and doubly hard for my wife. I am not doing so good either.

Comments

  • loulou
    loulou Member Posts: 65 Member
    #2
    Hi rory, this is loulou. From what I have heard about the Pet scan, its a good thing. Suppose to be better than a regular ct scan. Waiting can be so darn hard sometimes. Good luck. loulou
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9
    #3
    Yes! I had one in September prior to surgery. I was supposed to have my esophagus removed and instead they found that it was my stomach and only the distal end of my esophagus. What a difference in the surgery and the prognosis.Unfortunely, the insurance company did not pay for it so the bill is pretty high. Oh well, one among the many. But I would definetely have it done again yearly! Trish
  • marcy
    marcy Member Posts: 58
    #4
    trisher said:

    Yes! I had one in September prior to surgery. I was supposed to have my esophagus removed and instead they found that it was my stomach and only the distal end of my esophagus. What a difference in the surgery and the prognosis.Unfortunely, the insurance company did not pay for it so the bill is pretty high. Oh well, one among the many. But I would definetely have it done again yearly! Trish

    Is it possible that a MRI or regular scan is less effecient than a PET Scan? Can a diagnosis be different? My dad had chest x-ray showed the tumor. Had liver scan. It showed several small surface tumors. (nothing showed in his blood test that tells of liver cancer) Could a PET scan tell if he REALLY has tumors of liver or not? Is PET different than a regular scan? I'm just so confused. I want to know if my dad is getting the best diagnosis. He's undergone 4 rounds of chemo. Lung tumor is gone according to x-ray. Liver scan will be done in a few weeks. Should we request a PET instead. Will it tell the true story? Sorry this is so long...just confused.
    Marcy
  • rory
    rory Member Posts: 30
    #5
    marcy said:

    Is it possible that a MRI or regular scan is less effecient than a PET Scan? Can a diagnosis be different? My dad had chest x-ray showed the tumor. Had liver scan. It showed several small surface tumors. (nothing showed in his blood test that tells of liver cancer) Could a PET scan tell if he REALLY has tumors of liver or not? Is PET different than a regular scan? I'm just so confused. I want to know if my dad is getting the best diagnosis. He's undergone 4 rounds of chemo. Lung tumor is gone according to x-ray. Liver scan will be done in a few weeks. Should we request a PET instead. Will it tell the true story? Sorry this is so long...just confused.
    Marcy

    Hi Trisher, my name is Rory. I had a PET scan recently due to a CT scan showing a 12 mm node in my right lung. The PET scan did not show any activity the lung, but showed activity in the right abdomen. On the basis of the PET scan findings it was decided not to do further invasive procedures on the right lung, but instead I have to undergo a CT scan every 3 months for the next 2 years to ensure the node doesn't change - if it does then more invasive diagnosis would be needed. As for the right abdomen, I was sent to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. He told me that PET scans are good for diagnoses of the lungs, but not as good in the abdomen. Apparently, the PET scan glucose based injection goes to areas of inflammation to highlight them on the actual film. They decided to do ultrasounds and colonoscopy in my case. I am still awaiting the biopsy from that procedure. Perhaps others will also comment on your question. I hope I was able to help. ~ Rory
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9
    #6
    rory said:

    Hi Trisher, my name is Rory. I had a PET scan recently due to a CT scan showing a 12 mm node in my right lung. The PET scan did not show any activity the lung, but showed activity in the right abdomen. On the basis of the PET scan findings it was decided not to do further invasive procedures on the right lung, but instead I have to undergo a CT scan every 3 months for the next 2 years to ensure the node doesn't change - if it does then more invasive diagnosis would be needed. As for the right abdomen, I was sent to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. He told me that PET scans are good for diagnoses of the lungs, but not as good in the abdomen. Apparently, the PET scan glucose based injection goes to areas of inflammation to highlight them on the actual film. They decided to do ultrasounds and colonoscopy in my case. I am still awaiting the biopsy from that procedure. Perhaps others will also comment on your question. I hope I was able to help. ~ Rory

    Thanks Rory for the info. My last CT showed nodules in both lungs also. The oncologist was not worried as he did not think they were anything. However, I will have another CT scan in March to compare. Anyway, I just wonder what the radiation did to the lungs. It could be what they are seeing in radiation scars. At least in my case. Also, how are you doing financially. I am not doing well. My disability stopped in Jan 03 and I am not released for work until March 1. In the meantime, there is no income. Isnt this crazy? Trish

Discussion Boards