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#24620 10-23-2007 10:14 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 64
AdeleE Offline OP
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I hope this is not a stupid question, but it is one that I really don't know the answer too. I have had CT Scans and MRI's but never a PET Scan.
What is the difference between them and should I be looking into having one?
Thanks, Adele


Adele,
mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular gland, 05/06, left neck dissection, gland and tumor removed, intermediate grade, margins negative, 9 lymph nodes negative, no rad, no chemo,
11/07 surgical biopsy of lymph node left neck, no cancer!
#24621 10-23-2007 11:07 AM
Joined: May 2006
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The difference is explained here , about two-thirds of the way down the page.

PET scans can result in false positives -- what "lights up" on a PET scan may be a simple inflammation, rather than cancer. In addition, patients are often told not to exercise in the 24 hours before a PET scan for the same reason, as a muscle recovering from exercise will show a higher uptake of glucose than a muscle that is rested.

The main part of the Oral Cancer Foundation site has hundreds and hundreds of pages of useful information. The search link is at the very bottom of every message board page (in gold letters, next to Site Map).

Hope this helps.

All the best,
Leslie


Leslie

April 2006: Husband dx by dentist with leukoplakia on tongue. Oral surgeon's biopsy 4/28/06: Moderate dysplasia; pathology report warned of possible "skip effect." ENT's excisional biopsy (got it all) 5/31/06: SCC in situ/small bit superficially invasive. Early detection saves lives.
#24622 10-24-2007 05:34 AM
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Even excessive talking and chewing before the scan increases the possibility for of positives.

M


Partial glossectomy (25%) anterior tongue. 4/6/07/. IMRT start @5/24/07 (3x) Erbitux start/end@ 5/24/07. IMRT wider field (30x) start 6/5/07. Weekly cisplatin (2x30mg/m2), then weekly carbo- (5x180mg/m2). End of Tx 19 July 07.
#24623 10-25-2007 03:11 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 458
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Posts: 458
Hi Adele

My doc's use PET/CT as usual test for follow-ups, I've had them at least twice a year for the last 4 years.

While they are a good indicator of "activity" I've also had them show joint damage, infection, and for the first year or two residual healing from the radiation. Main thing is it takes a talented radiologist to interpret the results. Once you get them done a couple of times, the radiologist can check back on previous tests and see what's changed or not changed.

I once made the mistake of doing the test right after having a real bad head cold, you should have seen the films light up then!!! Come to think of it, I've had about 9 or 10, PET/CT's, and none of them really came back "normal"

Bob


SCC Tongue, stage IV diagnosed Sept, 2002, 1st radical neck dissection left side in Sept, followed by RAD/Chemo. Discovered spread to right side nodes March 2003, second radical neck dissection April, followed by more RAD/Chemo.
#24624 10-25-2007 01:26 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
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This is the 1st time I heard not to exercise before a PET Scan and I had 2 in a month. I learn something everyday in here. I'll have to remember this just incase. I have another CT Scan in Dec and hope it's the last for awhile.


Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here

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