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PET/CT Scan Results – Worried

Forums General Melanoma Community PET/CT Scan Results – Worried

  • Post
    Aloha14
    Participant

      This is my first 6 month scan and the part I'm worroed about. My melanoma was on my left lower leg. This is indicating on my right hip? Is this common on the other side? Is 5.6 g/ml a larg amount of uptake? And should I be waiting another 3 months to follow up? Haven't seen the doctor yet.

      FINDINGS:
      FDG SUV activity measured in the units of g/mL unless otherwise stated.

      Right common iliac hypermetabolic lesion without definite CT correlate on
      image 226 measures 1.1×1.2 cm with SUV maximum of 5.6 g/mL. Possibly
      represents a new hypermetabolic lymph node, though no definite CT correlate
      is identified.
      IMPRESSION:
      1. New hypermetabolic lesion in the region of the right common iliac
      vessels, concerning for a malignant lymph node, though no definite CT
      correlate is visualized on the limited, non-contrast CT. Recommend further
      evaluation with high resolution CT of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast
      for better visualization of this lesion in clilnically indicated to guide
      possible biopsy.

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    • Replies
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          They will likely do a fine needle aspiration to the lymph node that is lighting up to see if there are any melanoma cells in there. If I remember correctly you're not on any treatment? I know for myself all sorts of things like to light up when I get scanned and we mostly attribute it to inflammation and reaction from treatment. But, with no treatment to blame this on, you'll need it further investigated. Let us know what your doctor says.

          Aloha14
          Participant

            Thank you  for your rsponse. Your corrct I'm not on any  treatment. Sounds like it's recommended that I get a CT with contrast of that area to start with. I have a call in to the doctor. Will let you know what happens.

            UBContributor
            Participant

              I haven't had my first  scan yet (Dx 2016.11, WLE and LND desection in groin last Jan), will have scan in August. Meantime, all I do is read and educate. Pls keep us updated! Best of luck!  

              cancersnewnormal
              Participant

                Correlation with a a contrast CT is definitely the route I'd go. It could be an inflammatory response to anything. I had a spot on my left femur (just above the knee) light up on a PET, with no corrosponding palpable nodule. Turned out to be a minor inflammatory response to my bicycle ride two days prior. I hadn't even been started on treatment at that time. If they spot something on the contrast CT, there can be further testing done via biopsy. It is possible for the mel to show up anywhere and on any side. I'm not certain how common or uncommon it may be to "jump sides" in a situation such as yours. Hopefully this is a "nothing of concern"… though I don't think I'd wait 3 months to see the doc about it.

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