I know a CT is just diagnostic, but does it show BOT cancer in the tongue or just a tumor above the tongue? In my research, I have discovered many answers and its quite confusing.

Portland,

You've posed the same or similar questions several times in many of your posts. Are you expecting to get a different answer?

I know you're scared. We all experienced this fear when faced with a diagnosis of cancer. You've had several tests, biopsies, examinations and have been diagnosed with dysplasia. From what you said, you've been seen and tested at the top cancer hospital in Alabama (UAB).

I believe I can speak for everyone and say that we all hope that what's going on with you in not cancer. If you're not satisfied with the answers you're receiving, seek a 2nd or 3rd opinion. CAT, MRI and PET scans, while they can show abnormalities, cannot diagnose oral cancer. Only a biopsy of a suspicious area, lesion or node can definitively do so. You know this as it's been said and written several times in response to your queries.

Good luck! I certainly hope you never have the need for these forums.

A scan will show cancer, inflammation or infection, in whatever area is being scanned. The only time it won't show up is if it's microscopic - hence too small. Try not to worry.

Cheryl,
You are always so kind to respond and thank you. My question is if the cancer is under the skin, the CT should still show it? I understand it won't show microscopic. I'm having TORS next week, and my doctor is more guarded with my diagnosis now that he has reviewed my charts, but hopefully all will be good.

I'm just so concerned with the light up of the PET 4.1 SUV 2.5 months after small biopsy. I also have asymmetrical base of tongue which I had before any surgery and that is really concerning. However, the CT's, MRI's have been inconclusive except for showing the asymmetry. I sure hope there accurate. Then, there has been the ongoing pain for 8 months in the BOT area. So frightened right now.

Thank you Cheryl

Okay yes... Assuming it is large enough it will show up cancer under the skin. - generally a cluster, lesion, tumor, or a node. Again it's size related. A ct is like an internal X-ray. Now I had a node highlight before my radiation on the opposite side of my neck. It was 3mm which is insanely small. So when I say small it doesn't pick up microscopic I mean on a cellular level or a few cells clustered together. I was also told at the time by my ENT/surgical oncologist, that based on the location and the size it probably wasn't cancer - more likely inflammation (apparently drs do not get excited about 3mm nodes even if you've had oral cancer) I'm telling you this to give you a bit of perspective on the size I'm talking about.
I'm of the better safe than sorry ilk. Do what has to be done even if it's preventative. Hopefully it's nothing - but if it is something be assured that its likely been caught in the very early stages. Since nothing else has lit up. Also the depth of the biopsy, and location could mean that it has taken longer to heal or your a bit inflamed. Best of luck on the tors next week.

Yes, the CT may show cancer if it's in the skin. It did with me last year with a metasteses was found in the epilithical layer of skin. CT scans can detect tumors as low as 1cm, maybe smaller in some cases. A PET/CT as low as 5mm, even smaller, and again with me last month with a nodal metastases that was only 3x7mm.

Good luck with surgery, and hope you get some answers, and better if no cancer is found.

Cheryl,
You say this would be caught at early stage? Is a PET fairly accurate at lighting up lymph nodes if they were cancerous? Is that why you stated this would be a early stage?

Portland, the PET is accurate as it measures sugars given off by the reproducing cancer cells, so if it is beyond a microscopic level (ie too small to register), it is very accurate. In fact you are more likely to have a false positive than a false negative. I had a false positive PET due, likely, to the foods I was eating prior to the PET (I was on a limited diet and couldn't avoid the carbs or I wouldn't have been able to eat).

Tina,
Could I possibly have a false positive in the area where I have been hurting? I had a very small biopsy in that area a little over 2.5 months ago. That seems to be a long time to have a SUV uptake of 4.1. Remember I haven't been diagnosed with cancer or had any treatments just a very tiny biopsy. The place that lit up is the place I have been hurting for some time now. I'm so worried and frustrated. I was told that my biopsy shouldn't show up this late and especially with that high of uptake. In your experience, is that normal?

You could have a false positive since in nothing is 100 percent I would want to make certain that's all.