https://cancerimagingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40644-016-0091-3
Hello @steveron
Above is a link to search question about how to read PET scan interpretations. It’s full of technical data I skipped through but the bottom line is FDG is a radiotracer that is not considered as invasive as other tests, though it is typically used in conjunction with a CT as in my case. FDG is glucose that gets trapped in cells and since cancer cells divide very quickly they use high amounts of glucose and this should be seen on your PET scan as FDG avid. However, I was told by radiologist that FDG uptake can also be seen in areas of inflammation that are not cancerous. Also, not all types of cancer will show FDG uptake as in my case where I had a soft tissue area light up on my CT around the celiac/hepatic arteries thus prompting my drs to say it was scar tissue. If I was the oncologist I would have followed up with a biopsy of that area instead of the assumption it was scar tissue. That assumption led me into stage 4. As Ashley2235 very well indicated, there is some uptake of the glucose and it has grown in size when compared to your last PET scan. I had removal of 75% of my pancreas (distal or tail) and chemo with Fulfirnox. Surgery was good, no recurrence at the site, however due to complications from the surgery I had to wait a month longer than typical to begin my post surgery chemotherapy. During that extra month is when my cancer spread to the hepatic celiac arteries. It was kept at bay during my 12 treatments, but 4 months after chemo was completed, it spread to my liver and other areas. I getting chemo again with the GAC chemo which I’m responding to though it’s playing havoc with my “fighter” cells. 3 mos chemo is still early in the process; however there are other chemo options and possibly radiation? Best of good will to you. We are all rooting for you!