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low level FDG uptake-advice needed

Forums General Melanoma Community low level FDG uptake-advice needed

  • Post
    Toby0987
    Participant

      Hello-I've been holding steady at 3B since 2013. I see Dr Markovic at Mayo in Rochester, MN. About a year ago the PET picked up low level FDG uptake near my appendix and left mesenteric lymph node. It has grown slightly from .6cmx.6cm to 1.2 cm x.8cm. Have any of you had similar hits on your PETS in this area? I have no Symptoms of appendicitis, but the spot never goes away. Any thoughts? Dr said if I get symptoms to come in right away. He will do a colonoscopy and biopsy the area next PET (5year NED anniversary). 

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    • Replies
        BrianP
        Participant

          That's a tough one Toby.  You said low FDG uptake.  What is the reading?  Has that stayed steady or increased as the tumor has increased.  

          How often are you getting scanned?  I think if it were me I'd want a PET at least every 3 months if I could swing it. 

          I had something similar but was in a much higher risk situation than you.  I had a CT that showed a small lymph node in the abdomen area.  Dr. Jeff Weber recommended a PET and his decision matrix on the results were something like this:  if below below 5 uptake then repeat scan in 3 months.  6 to 10 then go for a biopsy if possible.  Above 10 then go ahead a start treatment. 

          Other experts might  disagree with that matrix because I've heard of cases of FDG uptake off the charts that turned out to be nothing.

          Best of luck

            Toby0987
            Participant

              Thanks Brian-the uptake is 4.3-thanks for the FDG level matrix-good go-by. Did your uptake in the abdomen turn  out to be melanoma? What was your uptake amount? My dr isn't convinced it is a tumor-may be inflammation or anomaly

            liberty04281
            Participant
              I think the biopsy should be done, to be sure what it is.
              liberty04281
              Participant
                Because it is growing the biopsy should be performed.
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