Uptake on PET/CT and enlarged ovary

txstardust

Seems like the neverending story - every time I have a test or scan, something "unusual" shows up that requires another doc's appointment.  I had a PET/CT scan last week - my surgeon ordered in a while ago, just to check on things, I guess.  I had NO expectation of a problem, so imagine my surprise when he told me that the PET/CT showed increased uptake in my left ovary, and that my ovary is larger than it was on my scan last year.  I know that sometimes, uptake occurs in menstruating women, but I have not had a period for over 2 1/2 years.  He's sending me to a gyn/onc for an ultrasound.  Of course, I can't see him until the end of July (I'm going out of town for work and vacation until July 7, and having my Stage II DIEP surgery on July 12).  

How often does bc metastasize to the ovaries?  Should I worry?  If it isn't mets, what could it be?  Please help me stay calm!

txstardust

I'm replying to my own message because I'm hoping someone can give me some information...

Thanks! 

kathleen1966

I'm glad you bumped this so others will see it!  I am unable to offer any insight on this but I'm sorry you are having this scare. There have been many, many women on here who have had significant symptoms on scans, etc of  an issue with their ovaries and it turned out to be nothing. ANY inflammation is going to show as uptake on a PET scan. I think that METS to an ovary happens more in ILC than IDC. I think false positive's with PET scans are much more common than a false negative. The ultrasound will be better at seeing what is going on in there.  I had to have one after my PET scan as my entire uterus lit up. The ultrasound showed that there was nothing to worry about in there. 

GrandHillMom

My PET showed uptake on my left ovary in April. I followed up with ultrasound, which indicated possible ovarian cancer. I had ovaries and tubes removed in May. Turned out it was clear cell ovarian cancer, with no BC mets in either ovary. Even though the ovarian cancer was stage 1a, meaning totally confined to ovary, due to clear cell histology I have started carboplatin/taxol chemo. I think the PET scan for my bone mets saved me from advanced ovarian cancer, which has a very bad prognosis.



Bt the way, My surgeon told me before surgery that ovarian BC mets usually show up scattered, not as one large mass.





I hope your situation is benign or a false positive, but wanted you to know my story.