PET scan or not?

Liezel

Hi Everybody,

 I am 5 Yrs post dx.  I had my annual CT yesterday and while everything seems fine, they have noted a low density focus in segment 6 of the liver.  It is about 1.4cmx1.6cmx1.6cm.  They suggested either a wait and see for 8 - 12 weeks, a biopsy or a PET scan.  My oncologist spoke to the radiologist and he seems to think it will be difficult to get a biopsy result and that a PET is our best option.

 I am waiting to hear if my medical aid will pay for the PET.  Do any of you ladies know what this means?  Or what liver mets look like?  I am concerned that it might be worse because I only took the Barium an hour before and not 1hr30min as I did in the past.  Could this affect it?  I have no other symptoms at all.

Thanks for your help.  Sorry if I sound a bit confused, but I did not expect this.

TenderIsOurMight

I'm sorry you are going through this; it's always tough to address a subtle new finding with a history of breast cancer. Certainly reviewing past CT films of segment 6 of the liver would be very important as perhaps it was overlooked, a fact that can help influence decision making. If it was there and it's the same size and density, then perhaps a wait and see approach is discussed with repeat down the road.

PET scans in these circumstances surely are more frequently utilized, as it allows a different technique to evaluate the liver (sugar uptake essentially is common with breast cancer lesions and shows on the PET). Still, a certain percentage of PET scans are falsely positive also.

The barium timing off by a half hour shouldn't give much influence, but that is just my opinion. The barium is to help outline the intestine's loops to allow visualization separate from the liver tissue (parenchyma). 

Your oncologist and you will most likely discuss more, and I wish you well. At least 10% of biopsies for clear positive imaging findings (not iffy or maybe findings) in breast cancer turn out to be benign, so it's always worth keeping that in mind too. 

Hopefully your doctors will be able to guide you soon and results will be negative.

All my best,

Tender