PET scan results

I had a nodule show up on a recent PET/Ct scan. Because it's in the same area as my lymph dissection, the surgeon requested an ultrasound. Can your oncologist's office (or back up) or you family doctor get something like that started so that the results would be available for the return of your oncologist?

I had a nodule show up on a recent PET/Ct scan. Because it's in the same area as my lymph dissection, the surgeon requested an ultrasound. Can your oncologist's office (or back up) or you family doctor get something like that started so that the results would be available for the return of your oncologist?

I had a nodule show up on a recent PET/Ct scan. Because it's in the same area as my lymph dissection, the surgeon requested an ultrasound. Can your oncologist's office (or back up) or you family doctor get something like that started so that the results would be available for the return of your oncologist?

An SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) of 2.77 could be a sign that the node is malignant.
See: http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?c=4&s=36&ss=116&id=1848

However, a biopsy is the most accurate way of diagnosing a malignant tumour. If it is
melanoma, I feel that surgery (if possible) is the best initial treatment option,
especially if the tumour burden is low. Therefore, it would be an idea to consult a
surgical oncologist soon.

Hope this helps.

Frank from Australia

An SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) of 2.77 could be a sign that the node is malignant.
See: http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?c=4&s=36&ss=116&id=1848

However, a biopsy is the most accurate way of diagnosing a malignant tumour. If it is
melanoma, I feel that surgery (if possible) is the best initial treatment option,
especially if the tumour burden is low. Therefore, it would be an idea to consult a
surgical oncologist soon.

Hope this helps.

Frank from Australia

An SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) of 2.77 could be a sign that the node is malignant.
See: http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?c=4&s=36&ss=116&id=1848

However, a biopsy is the most accurate way of diagnosing a malignant tumour. If it is
melanoma, I feel that surgery (if possible) is the best initial treatment option,
especially if the tumour burden is low. Therefore, it would be an idea to consult a
surgical oncologist soon.

Hope this helps.

Frank from Australia

Hi Jan,

In late 2008 early 2009 when i was battling my disease actively, i had the hilar node show up in a scan with an increased uptake but no real hyper metabolic activity. i was sent to a thoracic surgeon who reviewed my scans and immediately wanted to schedule me for a full right lung removal. I was told at the time that because of the location of the possibly infected node, a needle biopsy was not available to me and removing the entire lung would be in my best interest. I was also told (i was 34 at the time) that there was a 50% chance i would not wake up from the surgery due to the node basically laying against a major artery. my mom was with me and we both left in shock.

after alot of conversation i chose to wait a few weeks and re-scan. Instead of doing a PET i requested a simple CT instead. The CT showed that the node was no where near as large as they thought and there was minimal uptake of the serum. I said no thank you to the surgeon and kept my lung.

Fast forward 3 years and I am still NED, and occasionally the node lights up on the scan. Sometimes it does not light up. Not 1 doctor can explain to me why this node reacts the way it does… yet it has not grown in 3 years, so we leave it alone.

My suggestion to you is not to panic and to request another scan. Preferrably a CT since you tend to get fewer false positives.

Good luck to you.

Djpayn

Hi Jan,

In late 2008 early 2009 when i was battling my disease actively, i had the hilar node show up in a scan with an increased uptake but no real hyper metabolic activity. i was sent to a thoracic surgeon who reviewed my scans and immediately wanted to schedule me for a full right lung removal. I was told at the time that because of the location of the possibly infected node, a needle biopsy was not available to me and removing the entire lung would be in my best interest. I was also told (i was 34 at the time) that there was a 50% chance i would not wake up from the surgery due to the node basically laying against a major artery. my mom was with me and we both left in shock.

after alot of conversation i chose to wait a few weeks and re-scan. Instead of doing a PET i requested a simple CT instead. The CT showed that the node was no where near as large as they thought and there was minimal uptake of the serum. I said no thank you to the surgeon and kept my lung.

Fast forward 3 years and I am still NED, and occasionally the node lights up on the scan. Sometimes it does not light up. Not 1 doctor can explain to me why this node reacts the way it does… yet it has not grown in 3 years, so we leave it alone.

My suggestion to you is not to panic and to request another scan. Preferrably a CT since you tend to get fewer false positives.

Good luck to you.

Djpayn

Hi Jan,

In late 2008 early 2009 when i was battling my disease actively, i had the hilar node show up in a scan with an increased uptake but no real hyper metabolic activity. i was sent to a thoracic surgeon who reviewed my scans and immediately wanted to schedule me for a full right lung removal. I was told at the time that because of the location of the possibly infected node, a needle biopsy was not available to me and removing the entire lung would be in my best interest. I was also told (i was 34 at the time) that there was a 50% chance i would not wake up from the surgery due to the node basically laying against a major artery. my mom was with me and we both left in shock.

after alot of conversation i chose to wait a few weeks and re-scan. Instead of doing a PET i requested a simple CT instead. The CT showed that the node was no where near as large as they thought and there was minimal uptake of the serum. I said no thank you to the surgeon and kept my lung.

Fast forward 3 years and I am still NED, and occasionally the node lights up on the scan. Sometimes it does not light up. Not 1 doctor can explain to me why this node reacts the way it does… yet it has not grown in 3 years, so we leave it alone.

My suggestion to you is not to panic and to request another scan. Preferrably a CT since you tend to get fewer false positives.

Good luck to you.

Djpayn