Bone scan versus PET scan ???

ludasue
ludasue Member Posts: 98
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi all! I had a bone scan today to compare with one I had a year ago. Last year, they saw a 'spot' on my right ribs (same side as the BC) that was unclear as to what it was. Soooooo, today they saw the exact same spot, only this time, it had more 'uptake'. I was reading on the internet that a PET scan can sometimes detect bone problems earlier than a traditional bone scan. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information. I am 'guarded' now, as I had truly hoped the 'spot' would be completely gone. Thanks in advance for the 411! angie

Comments

  • nocarb1
    nocarb1 Member Posts: 99
    #2
    Hi Angie,
    I am about ready to go for a pet scan on my request. I have researched them alot and it is supposed to be very good at detecting things way before a bone or cat scan can. From what I understand is that the insurance doesn't always cover them, but given you have that spot they are looking at I am sure you would be covered. Email me if you want anymore info because like I said I have read and read all about them and I feel it will be standard in the future. My email is nocarb1@yahoo.com Best of luck to you!!
    Carlye
  • ludasue
    ludasue Member Posts: 98
    #3
    nocarb1 said:

    Hi Angie,
    I am about ready to go for a pet scan on my request. I have researched them alot and it is supposed to be very good at detecting things way before a bone or cat scan can. From what I understand is that the insurance doesn't always cover them, but given you have that spot they are looking at I am sure you would be covered. Email me if you want anymore info because like I said I have read and read all about them and I feel it will be standard in the future. My email is nocarb1@yahoo.com Best of luck to you!!
    Carlye

    Hi Carlye,
    Thanks for the info. I am supposed to hear from my oncologist tomorrow. I think I'll ask him about the PET scan. I know they were all expecting the spot to be gone ... guess I fooled them ... lol. The radiologist didn't seem overly concerned, yet he did mention the increase in uptake and difference from last year. Fortunately, there were no new spots. Is there a particular website you recommend with info on the PET? Thanks and best of luck to you too!!!! angie
  • maud
    maud Member Posts: 178
    #4
    Hi Angie,
    I have had three pet scans and they gave me a pamphlet with some information in it so I will try to explain it to you.They give you an intravenous injection of an analog of glucose that has been "tagged" with a radioactive substance:FDG Since FDG behaves like glucose, it collects in cells that have a high metabolic activity, like cancer cells. Pet imaging has a lot of significant advantages.Pet accurately detects tumors at an earlier stage than CT or MRI.Pet can tell the difference between benign and malignant tissue with a high degree of accuracy.It searches the entire body for disease.Some insurances do not cover the pet scan I was fortunate that mine did.It is costly and fairly new so I think that is the reason that some do not cover it. It was alot easier than having all the CT scans and then the bone scan.I hope this has been of some help to you and feel free to email me here or at maudsemills@aol.com if you have any questions.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    God Bless
    Debbie
  • ludasue
    ludasue Member Posts: 98
    #5
    maud said:

    Hi Angie,
    I have had three pet scans and they gave me a pamphlet with some information in it so I will try to explain it to you.They give you an intravenous injection of an analog of glucose that has been "tagged" with a radioactive substance:FDG Since FDG behaves like glucose, it collects in cells that have a high metabolic activity, like cancer cells. Pet imaging has a lot of significant advantages.Pet accurately detects tumors at an earlier stage than CT or MRI.Pet can tell the difference between benign and malignant tissue with a high degree of accuracy.It searches the entire body for disease.Some insurances do not cover the pet scan I was fortunate that mine did.It is costly and fairly new so I think that is the reason that some do not cover it. It was alot easier than having all the CT scans and then the bone scan.I hope this has been of some help to you and feel free to email me here or at maudsemills@aol.com if you have any questions.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    God Bless
    Debbie

    Thanks Debbie for the very helpful information. I think I'll ask my oncologist today if he thinks that would be reasonable for me to do. I really don't think this spot in my ribs is anything. The changes in the past year are very minor. However, it would also be nice to know for sure. I'll keep you guys informed what they decide to do with me. thanks again, xoxox, angie

Discussion Boards