I'm confused. Are pet scans usually accurate?

Posted by caralion @caralion, Apr 18 3:16pm

My pet scan lit up like a Christmas tree. One large mass has an SUV of 14.99. my 1st biopsy was inconclusive. It showed "rare atypical cells suspicious for malignancy." Just had a second bronchoscopy. What are my chances that it isn't cancer?

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They should have been able to tell you after the second scan.

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Still waiting for results, I guess I was hoping for someone to tell me that biopsy trumps scan??

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Only a biopsy can confirm cancer. A PET scan can suggest where there might be cancer and metastases but there are many things that can cause a high SUV number. Anything that irritates chemical or physical that can irritate the lungs will cause a high reading. Exercising before a PET can raise the reading.

If this was my body I would request a liquid biopsy to search for circulating tumor cells. If that high rating does mean it's cancer, something that metabolically active might have shed cells into the circulatory system.

Questions that can help us give you a better answer:
Was the first biopsy done by bronchoscope or needle?
What size was the nodule or mass on the CT that indicated the need for a biopsy?
Were both procedures done by a thoracic specialist?

Please let us know what you learn.

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Profile picture for denzie @denzie

Only a biopsy can confirm cancer. A PET scan can suggest where there might be cancer and metastases but there are many things that can cause a high SUV number. Anything that irritates chemical or physical that can irritate the lungs will cause a high reading. Exercising before a PET can raise the reading.

If this was my body I would request a liquid biopsy to search for circulating tumor cells. If that high rating does mean it's cancer, something that metabolically active might have shed cells into the circulatory system.

Questions that can help us give you a better answer:
Was the first biopsy done by bronchoscope or needle?
What size was the nodule or mass on the CT that indicated the need for a biopsy?
Were both procedures done by a thoracic specialist?

Please let us know what you learn.

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Bronchoscope, 33.6mmx15.5mm mass, not sure about the Dr....only has DO after his name.

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That's a fair sized mass. When you get the results of the new bronchoscopy please let us know what you learn.

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@caralion that SUV is high and is a strong indication for cancer, especially with the size of the mass in your lung. if it was me, I would request a second opinion at whatever academic hospital system is closest to you now. when do you receive the results from your second bronchoscopy?

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Got them today. Stage 2 squamous cell lung cancer.

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I still have one more tumor to be biopsied....in the parotid gland.

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Profile picture for caralion @caralion

Got them today. Stage 2 squamous cell lung cancer.

Jump to this post

@caralion that not news anyone ever wants to get. I'm thankful you were willing to repeat your bronchoscopy to get a conclusive diagnosis. are they testing your cancer for biomarkers? let us know what treatment plan they propose and if you're able to get a second opinion.

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I am so sorry for your diagnoses. Please be strong and let us know. You are not alone in this.

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