I had a pet scan done and showed a spot on my spine and on my rib cage. Should I be concerned about
Asked August 21, 2009
I had a pet scan done and showed a spot on my spine and on my rib cage. The dr wasnt too concerned and so I got a bone scan and it showed only arthritus in my shoulder knee and feet. I was diagnosed with breast cancer april 2008 completed chemo, double mastectomy in Nov and radiation in Jan. Should I be concerned about the pet scan or what?
Expert answer
If there is no explanation for the PET activity it should be followed and would be concerning unless there is a subsequent explanation or stable findings over time. An MRI of the questionable area on PET may be better than a bone scan for sensitivity of abnormal bone marrow. Any test is subject to interpretative error, therefore the positive PET may not truly be positive. The SUV (standard uptake value) may be more helpful in determining the significance of the PET finding.
Answered August 21, 2009
If there is no explanation for the PET activity it should be followed and would be concerning unless there is a subsequent explanation or stable findings over time. An MRI of the questionable area on PET may be better than a bone scan for sensitivity of abnormal bone marrow. Any test is subject to interpretative error, therefore the positive PET may not truly be positive. The SUV (standard uptake value) may be more helpful in determining the significance of the PET finding.
Answered August 21, 2009
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