Question 1

what is the definition or description of: pet-ct lung cancer diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Imaging test.: A pet/ct is a combined whole body x-ray (ct scan) and a functional image based on how much sugar is taken up in various parts of the body.  It is not a way of diagnosing lung cancer, which requires a biopsy, but it can help deciding if a biopsy is needed.  A lung nodule on x-ray may be benign or cancerous.  If that nodule takes up a lot of sugar on pet, it is more likely to be cancer.

Question 2

just had my 3rd low dose ct lung cancer scan. one in 2015, 2019 and now 2019. on all three they have noted a solitary 3mm non-calcified nodule within the medial subpleural aspect of the lingula, no pulmonary mass, nodule is stable and unchanged?

Accepted Answer

Lung nodule: Features of lesions that are likely non-cancerous : size&lt;3cm, smooth, round, calcified, age&lt;50, non-smoker etc. But it does need to be monitored for any changes. Feel free to discuss it personally with a physician and share the complete report of CT. Good luck

Question 3

how often do you need to use pet scan or bronchoscope to locate lung cancer because it does not show on ct scan but symptoms tell you to keep looking?

Accepted Answer

Clinical judgement: This pathologist is underwhelmed with the health or public benefits of intensive screening for tiny lung cancers. I'd hope that if the person is symptomatic, some other investigations are undertaken and the actual cause gets found.

Question 4

fatigue 2 years. ct shows paratracheal node increasing over 2 years, 0.5x0.9cm to 0.7x1.1cm to 0.9x1.35cm. no uptake at pet. worried about lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Mgt.: A tissue biopsy and bronchial washing for cytology will help to rule out cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, smoking and any pulmonary symptoms, the risk is higher.  I would recommend an appointment with Pulmonology.

Question 5

20 months fatigue. ldct negative in aug 16. ongoing sympts pet/ct neg in nov16. still fatigued & muscle loss, scan further for lung cancer? thanks

Accepted Answer

Mgt: Are your muscle enzymes elevated?  Have you had muscle biopsy and EMG? I would suggest a referral to a specialist.

Question 6

in past 3years i have had 3 ct scans and 1 pet/ct scan all negative. do i need more scans to rule out lung cancer? still have fatigue and muscle loss

Accepted Answer

You don't have it: Whether scans cut a risk of one's actually dying of lung cancer is a question I will leave to policy-makers. But your fatigue and muscle loss are not due to lung cancer. I'm glad you're health conscious; I assume you've stopped smoking; and my hope for you is that you'll search for some other explanation AND continue an athletic, fitness-focused lifestyle to richly enjoy these years of your life.

Question 7

fatigue for 2 years with some muscle loss. pet/ct scan was negative. what is chance of it missing lung cancer (exsmoker sorry, clean 2 years). thanks?

Accepted Answer

Not zero: But very small. No test is perfect. There are a number of reasons for missed diagnosis of lung cancer.  However, a PET CT is the best way to identify lung cancers. Not all nodules seen on CT are positive on PET but this is rare.  If no nodules are seen on PET or CT, then the likelihood is less than 2-3/10,000.  If you are worried, you can have a follow up low dose screening CT. PET is not needed.

Question 8

does a negative pet/ct exclude lung cancer as a cause of my non specific symptoms including fatigue, muscle loss and night sweats. thank you.

Accepted Answer

Yes it does!!: You should stop worrying about having Lung Cancer.
You should get out and exercise such as a daily walk. That will take care of your present symptoms of fatigue etc.

Question 9

do ct scans show if a person has lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A CT scan is probably the best way to characterize/detect lung cancer. However, often times a plain X-ray of the lungs is sufficient for the initial diagnosis. Whether or not it is positive - stop smoking! It is the most common cause of lung cancer, and will almost certainly shorten your life.

Question 10

is it possible to get lung cancer from a spiral ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Not from one, but from many.  Cts dose you with radiation.  The more you have the higher the risk of getting cancer.  Most common are immune cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.

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Doctor answers about:

Pet ct lung cancer restaging

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: pet-ct lung cancer diagnosis?

A member asked:

Just had my 3rd low dose ct lung cancer scan. one in 2015, 2019 and now 2019. on all three they have noted a solitary 3mm non-calcified nodule within the medial subpleural aspect of the lingula, no pulmonary mass, nodule is stable and unchanged?

A member asked:

How often do you need to use pet scan or bronchoscope to locate lung cancer because it does not show on ct scan but symptoms tell you to keep looking?

A member asked:

Fatigue 2 years. ct shows paratracheal node increasing over 2 years, 0.5x0.9cm to 0.7x1.1cm to 0.9x1.35cm. no uptake at pet. worried about lung cancer?

A member asked:

20 months fatigue. ldct negative in aug 16. ongoing sympts pet/ct neg in nov16. still fatigued & muscle loss, scan further for lung cancer? thanks

A member asked:

In past 3years i have had 3 ct scans and 1 pet/ct scan all negative. do i need more scans to rule out lung cancer? still have fatigue and muscle loss

A member asked:

Fatigue for 2 years with some muscle loss. pet/ct scan was negative. what is chance of it missing lung cancer (exsmoker sorry, clean 2 years). thanks?

A member asked:

Does a negative pet/ct exclude lung cancer as a cause of my non specific symptoms including fatigue, muscle loss and night sweats. thank you.

A member asked:

Do ct scans show if a person has lung cancer?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get lung cancer from a spiral ct scan?

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