My team at MDACC have opted do ultrasounds on my neck every 4 months rather than subject me to PET/CT scans. Their reasoning is that the type of tumor they ultimately removed (what they found was not consistent with the biopsy results but they can't dismiss what the biopsy said) is not an aggressive one and that the risk from radiation exposure in my case was greater than the benefits. They also place a great deal of confidence in the technicians and doctors who read the ultrasounds to catch any activity. It seems a to be a reasonable alternative for me...not sure it would be appropriate for others.

Susan