Can Pet Scan spread cancer?

survivor752
survivor752 Member Posts: 1
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hi. 

 

I lost my mum to breast cancer last year and my uncle to lung cancer. 

 

My elder sister had an ovarian cyst when she was only 10 which was removed and she is 24 now. She doesn't look too well and has been having anger outbursts which is unlikely of her. She's lathergic and weak. I want to get a pet scan done on her but I'm scared that it might make things worse. What is the best way to detect anything wrong going on in her body? Please guide me. I'd actually lost it if something were to happen to her. 

Comments

  • LorettaMarshall
    LorettaMarshall Member Posts: 662 Member
    #2
    "Survivor752"~Answer 2 your ? re PET is NO-Helpful links Below

    Dear “Survivor752”

    First, all who read your letter will be grieved to hear of another person passing away with any kind of cancer.  We are sorry to hear that cancer has paid a visit to your family as well.  We know your heart aches.  We never want to lose a member of our family. There’s never a time in our life when we don’t need our mother.  Angels escorted my dear saintly and wise mother, age 99, to Heaven in 2013.  Until this day, when I encounter trials and have questions, I think, “What advice would my “mama” give me in a certain situation?”  Mothers were created to soothe our fears, were they not?  I know how you miss your mum.

    Now in another word, to answer your specific question—“NO” a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan will not spread cancer.  It’s designed to locate “live cancer activity.”  (See reference below)

    Now onto your concern for your “elder” sister.  Since she is 24 years old now, is she agreeable to having a PET scan performed?  That would be the first question.  Having your mum and your uncle pass away from cancer will always cause a “red flag” to fly in your mind, if you know someone else that is exhibiting signs that you think might be related to cancer.  Anger outbursts could be symptomatic of many things, even still hurting from losing your mum.   Losing your mum is always tragic, especially at such a young age. 

    It would not be uncommon for your sister at age 24 to have cysts on her ovaries that are benign.  However, in some cases they could be malignant, so the only way is to be tested.   Perhaps you could get your general practitioner to recommend a good gynecologic oncologist if you don’t know of one.  That would be my best suggestion.  Below my name are some places I’ve been on the web trying to find help for you.  So they are listed below.  I hope that something you find there will give you a positive direction in which to go. The first one gives a good explanation of how “ovarian cysts” are treated.  And while a PET scan will not spread cancer, only pinpoint “live” cancer activity, I doubt that it would be the first test that a gynecologist would recommend.  I suggest you study this entire article.  I simply began with the possibility of more ovarian cysts, since that is what you mentioned.  Being lethargic and irritable could be representative of lots of problems, and not necessarily confined to one problem

    Prayers for you & your sister,

    Loretta

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    [My Note:  For sake of brevity, which I’m not known for, please read the entire article.  I’ve only listed some of it here.]

    1.       http://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/complex-ovarian-cyst#overview1

    “Complex Ovarian Cysts: What You Should Know

    What are ovarian cysts?.............................Ovarian cysts are sacs that form on or inside the ovary. A fluid-filled ovarian cyst is a simple cyst. A complex ovarian cyst contains solid material or blood.

    Simple cysts……………………Simple cysts are common. They develop when your ovary fails to release an egg or when a follicle in your ovary continues to grow after an egg has been released. Because they form due to your normal menstrual cycle, they’re also called functional cysts. Functional cysts usually have no symptoms. They tend to resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles.

    Complex cysts……………………Complex cysts aren’t related to your normal menstrual cycle, and they’re less common. The following are three common types of complex ovarian cysts:

    • Dermoid cysts are made up of cells you had since before you were born. Your body uses these cells to produce dermal tissue so they may contain fat, skin, hair, or even teeth.
    • Cystadenomas contain ovarian tissue with fluid or mucus.
    • Endometriomas form when cells from your uterine lining grow outside of your uterus and in or on your ovaries.

    It’s rare, but ovarian cysts can be malignant. Most ovarian cysts are benign, especially those that develop before menopause.

    SYMPTOMS……………………What are the symptoms?

    It’s possible to have small ovarian cysts and not have any symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms of ovarian cysts include:

    • bloating or pressure in your lower abdomen
    • lower abdominal pain
    • nausea and vomiting if the cyst is twisting an ovary
    • frequent urination if the cyst is large enough to press on your bladder
    • sudden, severe pain if the cyst ruptures

    Seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain.

    If you have endometriomas, the symptoms may include:

    • painful periods
    • pain during intercourse
    • painful urination and bowel movements during your period
    • fatigue
    • nausea
    • diarrhea
    • constipation
    • fertility problems

    CAUSES…………………What causes complex ovarian cysts?

    It’s often not possible to determine the cause of an ovarian cyst.

    Functional cysts occur due to a minor problem, usually involving hormones, in your normal menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes many small, simple ovarian cysts. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves a hormone imbalance.

    Endometriomas occur due to a condition called endometriosis, which causes cells from your uterine lining to grow outside of the uterus, including on your ovaries.

    Cancerous cysts develop when mutated ovarian cells begin to grow and reproduce.

    Who is at risk for ovarian cysts?.................................Ovarian cysts are quite common in women who ovulate. You’re less likely to develop cysts after menopause. If you do develop an ovarian cyst after menopause, it increases your risk for ovarian cancer.

    About 8 percent of premenopausal women have a cyst that’s large enough to need treatment.

    DIAGNOSIS………………………..How are complex ovarian cysts diagnosed?

    If you’re experiencing symptoms of a cyst, see your doctor. You’ll probably need a pelvic exam. If your doctor suspects you have a cyst, they may take a wait-and-see approach because most ovarian cysts clear up without treatment. You may also want to take a pregnancy test because pregnancy can cause similar abdominal symptoms.

    Other diagnostic tests may include an ultrasound or a CT scan…”

    2.       http://www.cancercenter.com/community/newsletter/article/importance-of-finding-a-specialist-for-gynecologic-cancer/

    “What is a gynecologic oncologist?

    A gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

    To become a gynecologic oncologist, a physician must complete four years of medical school followed by a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, and an additional three- to four-year clinical fellowship in gynecologic oncology. This specialized training includes mastering highly technical surgical procedures, administering chemotherapy, and learning the techniques of radiation therapy.

    Who should see a gynecologic oncologist?

    Any woman with a gynecologic cancer should see a gynecologic oncologist if at all possible. In fact, women should see a specialist as early in the process as possible, says Dr. Justin Chura, Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia.

    “Any woman with a known or suspected gynecologic cancer should be seen by a gynecologic oncologist from the start. Patients who have their first procedure by someone other than a gynecologic oncologist may not receive the most optimal surgery for the disease,” says Dr. Chura. “With cancer you don’t often get a second chance, so you want an optimal treatment plan from the beginning,” he adds.

    This means even if you haven’t been diagnosed but are facing surgery for a suspicious mass, it’s wise to find a gynecologic oncologist to perform the procedure, as the quality of your initial surgery can influence your long-term outcomes. If you’ve already had surgery with a gynecologist or general surgeon, it’s not too late. A gynecologic oncologist can help you plan next steps…”

    3.       http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/details/why-its-done/icc-20319683

    “Positron emission tomography scan

    Why it's done…………..By Mayo Clinic Staff

    PET scans of the brain for Alzheimer's disease

    A PET scan is an effective way to examine the chemical activity in parts of your body. It may help identify a variety of conditions, including many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. The pictures from a PET scan provide information different from that uncovered by other types of scans, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A PET scan or a combined CT-PET scan enables your doctor to better diagnose illness and assess your condition.

    Cancer

    Cancer cells show up as bright spots on PET scans because they have a higher metabolic rate than do normal cells. PET scans may be useful in:

    • Detecting cancer
    • Revealing whether your cancer has spread
    • Checking whether a cancer treatment is working
    • Finding a cancer recurrence…”

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    [My note:  Trusting that neither of these two references will be needed, but just to round out references that speak to your “fear”, they are listed here.]

    Also, just out of curiosity, have any members of your family been tested since mum and uncle have passed on from cancer diagnoses?

    4.       http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/genetic/who_to_test

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     5.      http://news.cancerconnect.com/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer/

    ________________________________________________________________________

     6.      https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer.html

    ______________________End of references______________

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