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← Return to SUV max scores for lung nodules and lymph nodes?
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SUV max scores for lung nodules and lymph nodes?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Apr 4 8:16am | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Hello gustavo, thank you for replying and for all your good wishes for Mom. We're going through some very difficult days. We've received the results of the PET/CT scan. The 16mm nodule is solid, irregular, and spiculated, located on the periphery of the right upper lobe. It presented an SUVmax uptake of 2.88 and SUVmean of 0.60, with no other hypermetabolic findings in the lymph nodes or mediastinum. I thought this was relatively good news, as up until now I'd read SUVmax values of 5 or higher as indicators worth paying attention to. However, the doctors are determined to move forward with surgery; they tell us that a biopsy isn't an option as it might not be conclusive. This was yesterday. We were extremely anxious, as we were very excited to see what information the needle biopsy would provide (with faith that it was benign) and avoid a procedure as invasive as surgery. Everyone had told us about the importance of a biopsy. The first surgeon we spoke with at the time had told us that the area was accessible for needle biopsy. Her cardiologist, in turn, told her she had a low-metabolism lesion, so we can't understand why her pulmonologist would proceed with a bronchoscopy only to visualize the airways, lymph nodes, and mediastinum, as they say they don't think they can reach the nodule. The fact that they're recommending direct surgery with the intention of a lobectomy worries me. I can understand the urgency, but I don't fully understand the aggressiveness. Could you help me with your opinions or feelings?
Replies to "Hello gustavo, thank you for replying and for all your good wishes for Mom. We're going..."
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@meliarg, I don't believe there is a single number that indicates cancer or "no cancer". Biology, in general, is more complicated than that. Doctors consider several factors when determining whether a node is cancerous or not.
As to your questions, I'm a huge fan of "ask your doctor". They are the ones with all the medical training, knowledge, and experience. It's completely OK to ask: Why are you being so aggressive? What is the likelihood that this is or is not cancer? What are our other options?, etc. I rarely talk to my Oncologist, but I've called his nurse so many times that not only are we on a first-name basis, but I also know how many kids she has and where they all went for vacation this spring break. 🙂
I also recommend getting a second opinion. As my cancer became active and was eliminated again, I'm getting a 3rd opinion in the next couple of months. As I recall, this is my fourth opinion. I got a 2nd opinion after my initial diagnosis in 2018 and a 3rd opinion with another organization (MD Anderson) after my lung cancer metastasized to my brain. In both cases, the other organizations told me that my doctors are doing everything they would have and I should listen to them. That's a very reassuring thing to hear.
Lung cancer is much more survivable than it was 15 or 20 years ago. I've had an upper right lobectomy followed by chemo and radiation, brain surgery and radiation, and another round of radiation to my brain years later. Nonetheless, I'm still working full-time in a job I love, regularly exercising and working out, volunteering, and squeezing in some gardening whenever I can.
I wish you and your mother all the best. These can be challenging times, but worrying doesn't help either one of you. I'm glad to hear you're seeking a psychologist or psychiatrist. A positive attitude is the best thing for both you and your mother right now. Keep the faith, and I will keep you both in my prayers.