PET scan results ???

my mom had a PET scan and the results came back with some spots "lit up" does that mean she HAS cancer?  she also has pulminary fibrosis and does not make enough red blood cells, she is anemic and very frail and weak.  she is worried she has cancer now but the dr did a lung biopsy, saw a mass, but hsnt said anything about cancer, in fact he said she didnt have it, but she is convinced she does.   does a "lit up" result ALWAYS mean cancer?  please help,  she had been in hospital since christmas eve :-( 

On Jan 18, 2011 2:15 AM hoopmom wrote:

my mom had a PET scan and the results came back with some spots "lit up" does that mean she HAS cancer?  she also has pulminary fibrosis and does not make enough red blood cells, she is anemic and very frail and weak.  she is worried she has cancer now but the dr did a lung biopsy, saw a mass, but hsnt said anything about cancer, in fact he said she didnt have it, but she is convinced she does.   does a "lit up" result ALWAYS mean cancer?  please help,  she had been in hospital since christmas eve :-( 

As far as I know a pet scan detects areas of interest as well as cancer. If the doctor said it's not cancer & your mom is convinced otherwise I'd get a second opinion. A friend of mine had her petscan & it showed her lymphnodes in the throat or chest area were enlarged. She automatically thought the worst & diagnosed herself with having cancer in that area. Ends up the nodes were enlarged due to having a virus with no other symptoms. The biopsy will give a definate diagnosis. I wish your mom well !!!