*New* Question about hot spots on PET

Hot spots can also be caused by radiation damage. When I went for a PET scan 3 months after treatment, there was a hot spot on the opposite side. The report said that it was most likely due to radiation, but it should be checked by the ENT. He agreed, and at my six month check, it was gone. By the way, welcome to the CSN family!

I completed treatment in early July of 2012 and had a PET scan in October of that year that showed just one minor hot spot.  The tumor board met and decided that because of the advanced disease factor (stange IVa) that a selective neck dissection was in order.  I had a number of nodes removed and the one showed what was called 'weak, inactive remnant disease'. 

Fast forward to March of 2013 and the next PET scan that I was confident would be clear.  I was very unpleasantly surprised to find that they found several more hot spots and was referred to a new ENT, a specialist in head and neck cancer issues.  I had a second selective neck dissection and was pleasantly suprised to find that all of the nodes and fibrous scar tissue removed tested negative!

It may be possible that what the scan revealed is simply scar tissue from the rads.  Wishing you luck and saying prayers for you

Peter

I had several hot areas in my post treatment PET. I had this done last week. However like your hot spots they weren't at the site of the initial tumor and reported as due to inflammation- I guess due to radiotherapy. My oncologist and radiologist both seemed relaxed. I think you're ok too.

GerberDaisy said:

Hi all!  Thank you so much

Hi all!  Thank you so much for all of the replies!  I finished radiation on Feb 5th.  In Nov I had a partial glossectomy and partial neck dissection - of the 34 lymph nodes removed, 2 were cancerous.  My pathology report also noted that I had partial nerve invasion, which put me in the stage 3 category.  I had 30 rounds of radiation to my mouth and neck - just on the right side.  My hot spots popped up on the Left side.My kids and I have had a cold and stomach virus the days prior to my scan so that's what the radiation dr said he thought the inflammation could have been caused by.  I scheduled a visit with my ENT just to be on the safe side.  

I have a couple more questions for you guys if you don't mind.  Anyone have referred ear pain after radiation treatments have ended? I have to have my flap trimmed up because it's a bit bulky, causes some discomfort.

 Also, the very first and worst sore that popped up in my throat During radiation still gives me trouble if I eat hard foods like nuts, or drink carbonated beverages.  Have you changed your diet post radiation?  I crave sweets, which I *try* not to eat because of the whole cancer-sugar/glucose connection.  It seems like everything I love I can't eat or drink anymore - which is a small price to pay for LIFE!  Just a small complaint, I miss redbull, sodas, alcohol, chips, candy, icecream!  I lived off ice cream and milkshakes during radiation Bc I didn't have a feeding tube and that was the ONLY thing I could eat... But now I feel guilty eating it because of the sugar.               

And answers.

Yes, I had occasional ear pain for several weeks after radiation ended. The mouth sores and sore throat finally disappeared after three months, but my mouth and throat are still sensitive. I'm almost seven months out of treatment. My food tastes are completely opposite of yours! During treatment, I could only tolerate warm or room temperature food. Today, I still prefer savory warm food and have lost my sweet tooth. Cold food and ice water make my throat ache. Everyone is different. You very recently finished your therapy, so eat what you can and try to make healthy choices. Make a fruit smoothie instead of having ice cream. Try iced tea instead of energy drinks and sodas. Maybe the dietician at your cancer center could give you more ideas. Congratulations on finishing your treatment!