A member asked:

What could be the causes of increased uptake by a nonenlarged subcarinal node on pet scan in a patient with breast cancer?

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Pet scan challenging: A pet scan will generally show 3 main groups of findings. Infection inflammation or cancer. With a history of breast cancer a biopsy may be considered but that will depend on the details of the situation.

Answered 3/13/2014

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Needs follow up: Although clearly one has to be concerned about the possibility of metastatic breast cancer, there are many causes of "hot" subcarinal lymph nodes on pet scan. The only definitive way to evaluate the area would be with a biopsy or fine needle aspiration with pathological examination. Good luck.

Answered 12/20/2014

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Dr. Travis Kidner answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Varies: Infection or possibly metastatic disease.

Answered 10/4/2016

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