Help - CT scans over PET scan

Your doctor is naturally correct that the PET scan shows metabolic activity;  The reality is that most kidney cancer are very low in metabolic activity, as they are slow-growing.  The CT scan with and without contrast is consider the best option for most kidney cancers.  There is a hybrid PET CT scan that is done is some places, but the typical PET scan is not recommended in lieu of CT by most RCC experts.  If your doctor offers both, take both, but be aware that the unique characteristics of RCC may not make it worthwhile. 

I did look at the link you provide, and for lymphona and such, it appears the PET is preferable generally; again, not so for kidney cancer.

Hi  - I had a CT scan which showed nothing.  I had a fine needle aspiration which showed nothing.  I had a pet scan which showed I definitely had cancer.  Go the pet scan as it slices through tissue and shows definite findings. They are more expensive than the CT so it may be your Dr. is a little wary of recommending pet over CT

May I ask you to explain exactly what kind of cancer was found on the PET versus the CT scan.  This is important, as this question was raised in regard to Kidney Cancer.  It is quite different than most cancers as it does not have the same kind of internal activity that other cancer have, and that activity is what is shown on the PET scan.  This is different for other cancers, so that is an important aspect of the discussion.

this is so sad my mom years ago had blue cross dad was paying for it an they dropped her while she was in hospital she had a disease of the lungs caused by being raised around chickens like cluster of grapes one lung to far gone other was 1/3 covered Dr scraped bad part away,she also had what you call white cross insurance this was in 1958 my dad had to take a second mortgage on home plus sold one of his vehicles as Michael  Reese Hosp in Chicago wanted money up front to do this surgery.My ex had diabetis an was on dialysis the scans didnt really prove anything,his physcian was the best Dr Mankus in Lafayette,Indiana,she helped him to live until he had surgery on 2 fingers amputated an over medicated they didnt turn him an bed sore caused his death,he had both legs amputated 33 yrs after vietnam agent orange we proved caused his diabetis.My prayers are with you George.Sounds like your physcian is doing the right thing.Just rem to have family turn you when you go in hosp an over medicated,being a nurse aide 18 yrs I blame nyself for not turning him,I filed malpractice on nursing home an what I win an I did but medicare can now take,so make sure you have good insurance even though I did have other health ins on him medicare didnt care.  judy

Geroge,

Please read all the responses to your question; but most especially Peggy's answer.

We think of cancer as all encompassing but it's not and depending on the specific type of tumors that you have that will determine the test that you need to have.

Because Eric has pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoid if we relied on PET scans, he would be dead. PNeTs are slower metabolizing tumors than other cancers and PET scans don't pick them up.

Talk to your doctor, question him! I did, that's why I know the answer to the question, "If PET scans are so fabulous, why doesn't Eric get them?"

Good luck! I'm glad you are asking questions and advocationg for yourself!

Kat