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PET CT clear except for one ovary?
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PET CT clear except for one ovary?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › PET CT clear except for one ovary?

  • Post
    • July 7, 2016 at 10:24 pm
    CHD
    Participant

      So PET CT is clear except it lit up around one ovary and slightly into the vaginal area.  PA says this is "normal," though.  I don't get athe official report of results until my followup visit next week, but I am wondering why it would be normal for an ovary to light up on one side?  This is my third PET CT in 3 years and this did not happen on any of the others, though last year there was some kind of  "soft tissue anomaly" on the left, as well as a benign-looking left ovarian cyst on a regular CT, which did NOT light up on the followup PET. 

      As someone with a history of vulvar melanoma, the area just seems a little close for comfort, but I am all for thinking it's normal!!  I am also a little confused.  And of course it is going to bug me until my visit next week!  Any ideas?  Do certain areas normally "light up" more than others?  Are ovaries one of them?  Do we know why? 

      Cheri

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    • Replies
        • July 8, 2016 at 12:31 am
        Kim K
        Participant

          There are other reasons for those areas to light up as they are pretty active if still ovulating.  A better indicator would be to get a copy of the report if you can because it will show the degree of SUV uptake.  For most PET centers, an SUV of over 3 – 3.5 is more concerning for cancer.  That being said, benign processes can cause false uptake as well.  

          PET only shows metabolic activity, a good quality CT scan is also needed to pin things down.  In the abdominal / vaginal area, a transvaginal ultrasound would really help as well.

          I would be worried to, but again until you are told to worry, try not to.  For me researching worse case scenarios so I can discuss options with a clearer head worked best.  For others, staying away and keeping occupied doing other things works better.

          I hate the wait, never got better with time and it totally sucks.

          KK

            • July 8, 2016 at 10:57 pm
            CHD
            Participant

              Thanks Kim K.  That was helpful.  It never gets easier for me either.  But I hate to waste an entire week of my life worrying about something that probably has a benign explanation.  Except for the moments when I am totally going to waste time worrying anyway, which can't be helped!  Will post back after I talk to doc next week for anyone else who might ever have this come up.

              • July 8, 2016 at 10:57 pm
              CHD
              Participant

                Thanks Kim K.  That was helpful.  It never gets easier for me either.  But I hate to waste an entire week of my life worrying about something that probably has a benign explanation.  Except for the moments when I am totally going to waste time worrying anyway, which can't be helped!  Will post back after I talk to doc next week for anyone else who might ever have this come up.

                • July 8, 2016 at 10:57 pm
                CHD
                Participant

                  Thanks Kim K.  That was helpful.  It never gets easier for me either.  But I hate to waste an entire week of my life worrying about something that probably has a benign explanation.  Except for the moments when I am totally going to waste time worrying anyway, which can't be helped!  Will post back after I talk to doc next week for anyone else who might ever have this come up.

                • July 8, 2016 at 12:31 am
                Kim K
                Participant

                  There are other reasons for those areas to light up as they are pretty active if still ovulating.  A better indicator would be to get a copy of the report if you can because it will show the degree of SUV uptake.  For most PET centers, an SUV of over 3 – 3.5 is more concerning for cancer.  That being said, benign processes can cause false uptake as well.  

                  PET only shows metabolic activity, a good quality CT scan is also needed to pin things down.  In the abdominal / vaginal area, a transvaginal ultrasound would really help as well.

                  I would be worried to, but again until you are told to worry, try not to.  For me researching worse case scenarios so I can discuss options with a clearer head worked best.  For others, staying away and keeping occupied doing other things works better.

                  I hate the wait, never got better with time and it totally sucks.

                  KK

                  • July 8, 2016 at 12:31 am
                  Kim K
                  Participant

                    There are other reasons for those areas to light up as they are pretty active if still ovulating.  A better indicator would be to get a copy of the report if you can because it will show the degree of SUV uptake.  For most PET centers, an SUV of over 3 – 3.5 is more concerning for cancer.  That being said, benign processes can cause false uptake as well.  

                    PET only shows metabolic activity, a good quality CT scan is also needed to pin things down.  In the abdominal / vaginal area, a transvaginal ultrasound would really help as well.

                    I would be worried to, but again until you are told to worry, try not to.  For me researching worse case scenarios so I can discuss options with a clearer head worked best.  For others, staying away and keeping occupied doing other things works better.

                    I hate the wait, never got better with time and it totally sucks.

                    KK

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