On 4/24/2009 aspengravy wrote:
My recent PET scan revealed several hot spots on my lungs, however the CT scan showed no masses on my lungs at all. I am a breast cancer patient. What does this mean?
Aspen, Hi...
My girlfriend had had several PET/CT scans for her OVA. As I understand it, the PET scan incorporates a radioactive glucose that is a food source for the "hungrier" cancer cells circulating in the body. The CT part of the same test provides an anatomical "map" to more accurately see what organ or structure is near the "hot spots" or active areas that the PET scan finds. The SUV number is the intensity of that spot and may or may not be attached to a mass or tumor. In her case, her worst hot spot was in a celiac axis lymph node near the aorta. When the surgeon went in to try an experimental removal of the lymph node, he found other tissues with cancer that didn't show on the PET/CT scan so considering the risk of the procedure, he didn't remove one problem to leave several more. So yes, the PET scan is not perfect, but it can indicate progress with chemo regimens and after surgery which a skilled radiologist would interpret. I am just offering our experience.
Rick