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PET shows hypermetabolic activity: What does it all mean?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 19, 2022 | Replies (28)
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@stephers911

Hi, I had a PET scan and it showed hypermetabolism in my internal mammory lymph. I have a pea size lump in my left breast. I just found it. However when I lay down it goes under my rib. I have to have my last CAD I don't think they are catching that pea thing because of how it goes back under the rib. My question is did anyone have a pet scan that showed hypermetabolism? Should I be worried?

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Replies to "Hi, I had a PET scan and it showed hypermetabolism in my internal mammory lymph. I..."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 4, 2022

Hi @stephers911, deep breath and one step at a time. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion where @oakhillbull @bcsurvivor @trixie1313 asked similar questions about the meaning of hypermetabolism activity showing on a PET scan.

I'll repost this regarding metabolic activity.
"A PET scan (positron emission tomography) works to identify areas of hypermetabolic activity anywhere in the body. A radioactive substance is given to the patient and this attaches to glucose, which is attracted to cells that are hypermetabolic. When the scan is done, these areas "light up." Often, but not always, cancer cells fall into this category of being hypermetabolic. In addition, not everything that is hypermetabolic is cancer."

A PET scan is only one step in the diagnostic process. When do you have an appointment with your oncologist to discuss the results of the PET scan and to talk about the step or test?

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