Wbs Vs Pet Scan?

I had a WBS a few weeks ago.  Today my oncologist said he wanted me to have a PET scan.  Does anyone know the difference in the scans?  Why would a person need both?  (And why don't I think about these questions when the doctor is in the room with me?!).  Thanks.

A PET scan uses something other than iodine as the active particle (radioisotope).  It uses a form of glucose that only emitting radiation for a short time.  The glucose makes it so that sites with abnormal or increased metabolism (like cancer) light up.  They usually do a PET/CT that gives the positives of a nuc med study (the PET) with the cross sections of CT to give more detail as to where everything is exactly.  I had a PET/CT a couple months ago.  It was not more difficult than a WBS and doesn't need any low iodine diet or going hypo or getting thyrogen.  Good luck.

I'll be getting ready for my WBS, going on LID in 2 weeks followed by WBS process and blood work.  Something must have indicated that there could be residual cells either in your scan or blood levels, particulary the thyroglobulin which should be untraceable.  The PET probably is more sensitive in picking up any potential spots.  This is what we have to look forward to.  Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

 

On 6/19/2008 Leemg wrote:

I'll be getting ready for my WBS, going on LID in 2 weeks followed by WBS process and blood work.  Something must have indicated that there could be residual cells either in your scan or blood levels, particulary the thyroglobulin which should be untraceable.  The PET probably is more sensitive in picking up any potential spots.  This is what we have to look forward to.  Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

I was afraid that might be the case.  I know my TG came back too high.  I'm confused about the antibodies and the TG and what T3, T4, etc. are all about.  I went from knowing nothing about the thyroid to trying to sort through all the "Ts" and what they mean to my wellbeing!   As I mentioned before, I have had melanoma 3 times over the last 5 years and I'd much rather deal with thyroid cancer.   I feel fortunate and blessed.  You and the other posters have helped me me to ask questions and think about different approaches for dealing with this disease.  And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Tara

 

You mentioned antibodies.  I do know that at any time your body can  produce antibodies which would scur (give false reading) your thyroid level numbers so they should do an antibody test each time they check your  blood levels.  You not alone with understanding all the numbers, I'm still trying to sort them out myself.  The only one I truly understand is the thyroglubulin numbers which should be undetectable after treatment, and that they want to keep us a little hyper, whatever that number would be.  I didn't know you had melanoma.  I was diagnosed when I was young but it was later (much later) reversed.  I also had BC just over 4 & l/2 years ago.  Keep in touch!

 

On 6/21/2008 Leemg wrote:

You mentioned antibodies.  I do know that at any time your body can  produce antibodies which would scur (give false reading) your thyroid level numbers so they should do an antibody test each time they check your  blood levels.  You not alone with understanding all the numbers, I'm still trying to sort them out myself.  The only one I truly understand is the thyroglubulin numbers which should be undetectable after treatment, and that they want to keep us a little hyper, whatever that number would be.  I didn't know you had melanoma.  I was diagnosed when I was young but it was later (much later) reversed.  I also had BC just over 4 & l/2 years ago.  Keep in touch!

I appreciate the explanation. My TB is definitely detectable.  The other day the oncologist was trying to explain it to me and about the antibodies and I just looked at him and all I could hear was "blah blah blah" because it made no sense.  I just hope between him and my endo, that they will pay attention to my levels and keep in their minds that I have tall cell.  Tall cell should make a difference in my numbers--shouldn't it?  Looks like you and I are in a battle together with cancers.  Do you follow a special diet?  (Forgive me if I have asked this already).  Thanks--Tara

 

PET scan is done when your WBS is inconclusive and your Thyroglbulin is high.

Hypo, or thyrogen is better for PET also.

 

On 6/22/2008 samson77 wrote:

PET scan is done when your WBS is inconclusive and your Thyroglbulin is high.

Hypo, or thyrogen is better for PET also.

My oncologist didn't mention being hypo for my PET scan (it's not the same as the whole body scan for ThyCa).  I'm glad you mentioned this---I wonder if I have to do the LID?  I'll call the doctor's office tomorrow and ask.  Thank you!

 

No I don't follow a special diet except, of course, when preparing for the LID.  I have always liked fruits and veggies.  Don't eat much red meat and don't use much salt in cooking, use skim or 1% milk and don't load up with butter nor a particular fan of mayo.  Like shellfish and when out usually order shrimp, crab cakes or flounder.  Drink mostly tea.  Used to be a big OJ drinker but now bothers me, too much acid.  How about you??  I'm not a smoker.  Do have an occasional drink, socially or when vacationing particularly fruity drinks, Pina Coladas for ex.

 

On 6/22/2008 Leemg wrote:

No I don't follow a special diet except, of course, when preparing for the LID.  I have always liked fruits and veggies.  Don't eat much red meat and don't use much salt in cooking, use skim or 1% milk and don't load up with butter nor a particular fan of mayo.  Like shellfish and when out usually order shrimp, crab cakes or flounder.  Drink mostly tea.  Used to be a big OJ drinker but now bothers me, too much acid.  How about you??  I'm not a smoker.  Do have an occasional drink, socially or when vacationing particularly fruity drinks, Pina Coladas for ex.

I never have smoked, never drank (hate the taste of alcohol), never have taken an illegal drug of any kind, I don't eat red meat and I love fruits and veggies and fish.  I do, however, love bread and butter, chocolate and I love cakes, cookies and donuts.  I need to get over that addiction (if that's ever possible).  When I do the LID diet (and I follow it very strictly--last month for 6 weeks), I have to go through withdrawal for days.  That's the only time I seem to have willpower.  I mostly drink water--occasionally iced or hot tea---and sometimes I will "reward" myself with a Pepsi, but I've mostly given up sodas.  It sounds like you have a pretty healthy diet.  Mine needs cleaning up (the sugars).  How did we end up with cancer(s) since we are so clean-cut!!!   Tara