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PET scan vs MRI

Swhite
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Hi, I was diagnosed with cancer of the maxillary sinus (squamous cell carcinoma) after a biopsy of my tumour was sent off after my endoscopic surgery back in august 2024. 

My ENT surgeon sent me for a PET scan after my surgery to see if the cancer had spread. My results came back and there was a touch left within my sinus and it had slightly spread to my left lymph nose on my neck. My surgeon told me this wouldn’t have shown up on an MRI as it was only just detectable on the PET scan.

I had 6 rounds of Cisplatin and 30 rounds of radiotherapy to my head and neck between October and November.

I’ve recently had an appointment through for an MRI but not a PET scan? My question is how will they know if it’s actually gone if it was only just detectable on the PET scan?

Forgive my worry, I’m 36 years old with a family to look after and we lost my uncle to the same rare sinus cancer just over two years ago - his was further along but I can’t help but wonder if things will turn out similarly.

  • Hi Swhite,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.  

    I hope you are beginning to recover from your cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for maxillary sinus cancer.

    It’s understandable to sometimes feel worried and uncertain after a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatments. I’m so sorry to hear about your bereavement and loss of your uncle. All of this must feel a difficult time for you, as well as looking after your family.

     Your question regarding the appointment you have for an MRI scan is a valid one, especially as previously the cancer was only detectable on the PET scan.

    You could contact your head and neck Clinical Nurse Specialist, leave a message and your contact details if voicemail, and ask them to call you back. If you don’t have their contact details, ring the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through. They will be able to rearrange for you to have a PET scan if your consultant thinks this is necessary. Sometimes a PET-MRI scan (which combines a PET and MRI scan in one) can be arranged, if they want both.

    You may wish to take a look at our Head and Neck cancer forum to share experiences and get support from others in a similar situation. The Swallows Charity also have information, a 24/7 support line and support group that you may find helpful.

     

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further information or support needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/Khe/KE

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