PET Scan: Does this mean I have lung cancer?

Posted by nancysyost @nancysyost, Mar 22 1:33am

My Dr has been watching lung nodules in my lower left lung. For 4 yr it measured 6. I skipped a yr then last week I had another scan n it measured 9 so now I’m being sent Monday for a PET Scan. Does this sound like I have lung cancer and what can I expect to happen. I’m so scared

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dedehans | @dedehans | Mar 22 6:36am

Truth....It is quite possible you have cancer in the LLL but the PET scan is also to see if there may be cancer anywhere else in your body. Pretty standard procedure. I understand the scared bit but stick with this group and if you go to the next step....biopsy....we will be here to help where we can.

denzie | @denzie | Mar 22 9:50am

Are those measurements in mm? A PET scan can also light up because of inflammation due to health or environmental factors. Were there other descriptors like lobulated or spiculated in the report? I ask because 9 mm is considered too small to biopsy accurately unless a resection is going to be considered.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 22 12:01pm

Hi @nancysyost , welcome to Mayo Connect. Our lungs are sensitive to many things, and sometimes they react with nodules; even non-cancerous nodules. You may have lung cancer, but you may not. The CT scans and the PET scan are pieces of the puzzle that make up your overall health.
The PET is an excellent next step. This will show the level of activity in the nodules (usually cancer is overly active and will show with a higher uptake score than a fungus or infection), and as dedehans mentioned, it will show if there are other areas of concern in the body. For now, take a deep breath, and try to focus on one day at a time. Don't get ahead of yourself with what might be, there will be time for that.

espiritu56 | @espiritu56 | Mar 22 4:02pm

Early detection is the best case if it is cancer. Very optimistic treatment and outcomes. PET will tell if they are suspicious nodules. If large enough and accessible then a needle biopsy will confirm or not and provide the genetic info that will direct precision treatment.

dedehans | @dedehans | Mar 22 4:04pm

In reply to @dedehans "Truth....It is quite possible you have cancer in the LLL but the PET scan is also..." + (show)

I forgot to mention that if the nodule is cancerous it will light up on the PET Scan.. Hoping it's not but keep in touch. We will gladly help you through the steps.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 28 9:44am

@nancysyost, I'm just checking in, did you receive the results from your PET scan yet? How are you doing?

dedehans | @dedehans | Mar 30 7:11pm

In reply to @lls8000 "@nancysyost, I'm just checking in, did you receive the results from your PET scan yet? How..." + (show)

CT scan april 14, results that week and see ongologist on 23rd.....will get results before the 23rd as can read most of the radiolgy code lingo so will let you know. Thanks for asking.

dedehans | @dedehans | Mar 30 7:11pm

In reply to @dedehans "CT scan april 14, results that week and see ongologist on 23rd.....will get results before the..." + (show)

oops, this was from Lisa for Nancysyost, not for me. Sorry!

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 31 2:30pm

In reply to @dedehans "oops, this was from Lisa for Nancysyost, not for me. Sorry!" + (show)

@dedehans, I'm always happy to know how you are doing too. Hope your PET scan provides good info! 🙂

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