PET scans and lymphoma diagnosis

[misha123]

My mom has had all the tests for lymphoma. Her symptoms are a year old now. The only symptom she DOESN'T have is the enlarged nodes. The doctors are just waiting for this to happen. All of my research has led me to believe that the PET scan can find lymphoma 2-3 months before it shows up on a CT scan or MRI. This time could be crucial. Does anyone have any experiences with the PET scan, especially in regard to lymphoma diagnosis? Thanks to all.
Michael (misha123)

[JanieB]

Hi Michael,
As regard to the Pet scan. if you get a negative reading you have no cancer .... Yes it can pick up cancer better than an MRI or CT as the cancer soaks up the glucose injection, thats why they starve you before hand....this then shows up on the scan whether or not lymph nodes are enlarged...You may email me if you want to discuss it further ..Love Janie

[hereiam]

What is a PET scan? I have had enlarged lymph nodes in my neck for about 5 years. The doctors want to do a biopsy, but I don't want to have one - will a PET scan be able to tell if my nodes are cancerous?

[JanieB]

Hereiam,
A pet scan is simular to a CT or MRI but it is done by starving the body and then giving an injection of glucose, cancer cells are receptive to glucose (I'm not sure if this is the case for all cancers) They will absorb the glucose and then the scan will highlight the area's affected...
They are also a very expensive test and only done when all the other tests have been completed... In my husbands case they couldnt tell the difference between the scar tissue from his op and wanted to be sure there was no more disease....Thankfully he had a negative pet scan..meaning no cancer present...for your enlarged lymph nodes they would do blood tests, then possible a CT scan if anything showing a biopsy...Thats all I can suggest ...plus remember I'm in London, England...xx Love Janie xx