Petscan Question?

My husband is 56 years old and has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.  He has not drank alcohol in over three years. His doctor orders an ultrasound of my husband's abdomen every six month.  Several weeks ago the ultrasound was completed and the doctor ordered a ct scan.  The nurse called to let me husband know he has 1/2 inch mass in the upper right lobe of his liver and the doctor wants him to have a pet scan.  Why would the doctor order a pet scan before conducting a biopsy?  Does he already "know" the mass is malignant?  We are very worried and the insurance company has not approved the pet scan as of today.

If he can get a petscan and it is negative then he should not need a biopsy.  Liver is not the perfect place to pick up tumors if they are small.  The other reason to do the petscan first is that the biopsy will be healing and it also takes up glucose to heal.  If he is medicare he can get a petscan thru

N.O.P.R....it is a registry study group that most places are involved in to get medicare to approve more diagnosis'.....I hope this helps....Amy