[quote=DonB]@Gary,
The NCCN Guidelines suggest PET-CT be used in almost all OC situations. [/quote]

I am well aware of the NCCN guidelines but PET is indicated for diagnostic workup only - not part of follow up care. See Foll-a in the same document - there is no mention of PET scans for follow up care. Personally I think it's a good idea but I can also understand that the physical exam is just, if not more, important.

With improvements in "fusion" software practically any medical image may be fused with another.

The registration of the images would attain the best accuracy if performed simultaneously.

All of this aside, scans are only a small part of the diagnostic process. The direct visualization and palpation exam is still the gold standard. In my personal experience, the scans gave me far more angst than peace of mind.

FYI:

Cost & Reimbursement:
PET scan charges range from $1200-$3500, depending on the type of scan. Insurance companies will cover the cost of many PET scans. Medicare reimburses for PET scans for the following cancers: colorectal, lung, lymphoma, and melanoma, head and neck and esophageal cancers, and also for refractory seizures (epilepsy). Medicare will begin PET reimbursement to initially stage, to determine recurrence and to measure effectiveness of treatment of breast cancer as well as for myocardial viability. These new reimbursement categories become effective October 1, 2002. Medicare is constantly updating reimbursements, so visit the SNM website (www.snm.org) to find the latest information.