PET scan

I have low grade microscopic cancer throughout the abdomen almost like having measles my consultant said. Does anyone know if it's worth having a PET scan rather than CT and what the difference is?

[Hidden]

Hi Tina,

What does your oncologist suggest? I would have thought that your oncologist would be the best one to make this decision, as they are familiar with your condition and have your medical notes If it was me I would go with their advice. If you are concerned about this or don't feel confidant about the way forward, you could give the Ovacome helpline a ring and speak to Ruth Payne tel [phone]

sending you my best wishes love x G x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks G ... It's just that my disease is microscopic and can't really be seen by CT apart from some bigger patches I have. I'm being monitored by symptoms alone as my CA125 is within normal range and has never been an indicator at all even though I'm now Stage IV. I just wondered if it would have been more effective to have a PET scan to see if some of the microscopic disease would show up and whether the cost is a factor when decision making as to what scanner to use is a factor. x x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tina,

I am not sure whether it is down to cost or whether what is the best for you, I asked my consultant friend (who was visiting us last week) this question (he is not an oncologist though) he said that he didn't think it would be anything to do with cost but more to do with what they are looking for, I have tried to look it up but come up with they can both be useful. On the Cancer Research Website they are doing trials on PPC scans MRI versus CT you might want to look this up to see if you fit their criteria.

Best wishes love x G x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks G. I really appreciate your thoughts. x

[thundering]

Hi. The PET scan is different to the CT scan in the following way.

CT Scan: shows up the cancer as 'shadows' and so not that precise.

PET Scan: they inject you with a small amount of glucose attached to a radio active substance. The glucose makes straight for the cancer and illuminates it like a light bulb. You then receive rows of images highlighting exactly where the cancer has spread (you can see examples if you google images of pet scans).

My oncologist says there is no danger from the PET scan - just the cost!

[Erixka in reply to thundering]

PET scans are useful diagnostic tests but they're not completely risk free. They inject a small amount of radioactive material into your body... over time repeat scans can increase risk for cancer such as leukemia. Sadly, a friend of mine who had colon cancer ended up getting leukemia and it was mostly likely caused by repeat CT and PET scans.

xoxo,

E

[thundering in reply to Erixka]

That's interesting. I will put this to my oncologist when I see him tomorrow.

Thank you.

[Orsolini]

Hi Tina - I had a PET scan but it only shows up nodules of a certain size it would seem because I then had an operation and like you have 'measles' over my colon (also low grade) as seen my the surgeon but which did now show up on the PET scan. Sorry but of course someone else may have a different experience. I really wish the scanners would show up even small cancer! Actually I also had a CT scan (got 2 opinions) but that showed up even less than the PET scan and certainly none of the 'measles' either. Very best wishes - Nicola

[Hidden]

Hi Orsolini... It was the same with me... nothing showed up on CT which is why I wasn't diagnosed. When I had cholecystisis in 2009, the fluid in my abdomen wasn't tested for cancer and I was simply told that I probably had fluid because of problems with my gallbladder. I've come to the conclusion that some doctors have no idea about microscopic disease and don't spot the signs even when they use the right equipment. This is why I was asking about the difference in using a PET scan. I did have marks on my lungs and on the surface of my liver but these were presumed to be benign ... which they weren't. It's frustrating isn't it? Just hoping I spot the symptoms myself is hard. Every ache makes me feel that I'm going to have an aggressive episode.

[Hidden]

.. and thanks to everyone who's answered. I really appreciate your help and support. x