colon cancer spread to the liver - 1260105

daniel2three
Posts:2

I had a small tumor in my colon that the surgeon removed, while in surgery he noticed a spot on the right side liver (which didn't show up on any earlier scans) which he cut out and it was found to be cancer. He suggested the next step being a PET/CT scan to see what else is going on in there. I did and what he cut out was totally gone (nothing else) on the PET/CT scan, but there was activity (SUV 3.5) in the right centrally liver. No other sign of cancer. The oncologist suggested chemo. I balked and wanted to wait six months and see what happens. Seven months later, the next PET/CT scan shows no other cancer except activity (right centrally liver) but slightly higher (SUV 5.5) than 7 months ago. Are these numbers high and if so could it be anything other than cancer? Thank you.

Forums

Dr West
Posts: 4735

My impression is that these numbers are not especially high but are well within the range of an indolent cancer, especially if the repeat scan shows PET uptake in the same spot but a little more active over time. It's very hard to imagine that a focal area of metabolic uptake in the liver is going to be something other than a cancer, but for so little change over 7 months, it suggests a very indolent process.

Good luck.

-Dr. West

daniel2three
Posts: 2

Thank you Dr. West. I am very thankful for you and for your services here online. You are to be treasured by your patients and commended by society for helping others. Good luck and may God bless you.