galben
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Posts:7
Hi, I posted recently about slowly growing nodules, a 6mm spiculated nodule with an adjacent 13 mm sub solid nodule, which showed little growth on my 4 month follow-up scan. The most recent radiologist still recommended that I see a thoracic surgeon. My oncologist (I am a CRC cancer survivor) recommended a Pet-CT and one has been scheduled. My question is this, how accurate is a Pet scan for a sub solid nodule this size? In my other posts, I mentioned that the doctors think it looks suspicious of a primary cancer rather than CRC Mets. They have been there since 2011 and have shown very slow growth.
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Reply # - May 8, 2015, 10:33 AM
Hi galban,
Hi galban,
First let me apologize for taking so long to respond. The PET results, showing how actively the cells are multiplying depends will depend on how large the solid part of the tumor is. If it is less than a cm it may not show any uptake at all.
The 6 cm spiculated nodule if active would show uptake. But if they aren't growing or causing problems then it maybe best to leave it alone. Thoracotomy surgery is a very complicated surgery with significant risks. While most people so well others have ongoing problems with nerve damage, my husband is one of the unlucky ones having problems 6 years past. He also is very lucky to be without cancer growth so we leave it be and watch.
It's very appropriate to get solid information about why surgery would be needed. A consult the a dedicated thoracic surgeon (one who only does thoracotomies no heart surgeries) would be best to answer your individual needs. Not all hospitals have dedicated thoracic surgeons so you may need to look into seeing someone at a large academic institute for a specialist.
I hope this is helpful and not too far off base from your question. I'm pretty passionate about getting the surgeon right. :)
All best,
Janine
Reply # - May 8, 2015, 01:56 PM
Hi Janine,
Hi Janine,
Thanks for your response. My post had an error in it. The one nodule is only 6mm so I know it is probably too small to show uptake on the PET. I am wondering about the 13 mm sub solid nodule, how accurate the PET will be for it, since it isn't completely solid. Sounds like it may be questionable. The test is already scheduled........
My oncologist wanted me to start with a PET-CT and not just wait another 4-6 months since the last two radiologists think they need further evaluation. Believe me, I don't want to jump into anything drastic unless there looks to be a real good reason. I am already living with the after effects of rectal cancer treatments and surgeries. I completely agree about finding specialized surgeons. I did that for my other surgeries and it was so worth it.
Thank you again. And always glad to hear about people being NED.
Laura