PET scan query

Although it's often called a PET scan, it's actually a PET-CT scan.  It can provide information that a CT scan doesn't.  Areas which show uptake above normal are suspicious for cancer, so it can detect things which might not show on a normal CT scan.

It's not a diagnostic test, though,  It's often not done until after a biopsy as it's most common use is to clinically stage a cancer in order to guide treatment,

Thanks - i thought they would have done a biopsy first but I guess, like so many others, we just have to try and stay patient and await results 

Hi Hopeful51

I'm in the same position as your husband my PET scan is tomorrow. They were going to do a biopsy using navigational bronchoscopy but at the MDT my team decided that it’s too tricky to get to and a waste of GA so they’re checking to see if I’ve a spread with the PET before operating 

They gave me a choice. 
watch and wait. ,SABR targeted radiotherapy or operate  I chose the operation if it’s contained I want it in the bin 

Good luck 

I've had it done both ways.  Biopsy followed by PET-CT and PET-CT followed by biopsy.

There is a risk of pneumothorax with a biopsy, so having a better idea of whether it's localised can help decide on whether that risk is warranted.

Thanks for explaining- hope it all goes well for you both too

Thanks for explanation - just have to learn a bit of patience

That’s the tough part being a patient patient. It’s definitely not easy x

Hi PET scan complete. Twas walk in the park. As I had to stop food at ten thirty I had a lovely take away a real treat after which was 7pm so although I was radio active I still managed a night out 

Glad it went ok for you and you can get the op soon and begin your recovery

Hi, 

I had the PET scan first to see what glows. They are going to do the biopsy next to confirm that my glowing mass in my lung is indeed cancer.