risk of metastasis?

BeataF

if there is anyone that can offer a little bit of insight I would be immensely grateful...

my mother 77, had in May mastectomy (stage IIIB, 3 tumors the biggest 5cm, no induction chemo, hormone positive 90%, Her negative, ki67-16%, 1/22 node positive), she is on aromatase, and now was supposed to start radiotherapy, however CT showed in her sternum some suspicious shadow, I wonder therefore if it is an early sign of bone meta or doctors are simply very much careful. Our radiologist said that the CT is simply inconclusive and he can't say for sure what is it, rtg was ok, the same for blood tests, there are no other worrying symptoms, no pain, she did not have MRI or scynygraphy , next week we are having Pet test to resolve the issue, but in the meantime the whole situation is killing me - maybe you know what is the likelihood of sternum meta? Is it positive that doctors have doubts?, is it possible that elderly people may have there something else? If you have any knowledge please share it with me, the internet articles are so confusing that I feel utterly lost.

ElaineTherese

Hi BeataF!

It sounds like her doctors are being careful. Yes, it is very possible that the shadow on your mother's sternum is something else. I wouldn't necessarily assume that a PET scan will resolve the issue because PET scans sometimes produce false positives. The best way to resolve this issue is through a biopsy. Would her doctors be able to reach the affected area for a biopsy?

BeataF

Thank you very much for your response, as for your question I have no idea if they are even considering something like a biopsy at least so far they have not mentioned about such plans.

Do you think that there are some other more reliable tests than Pet?, I awlays thought that in controversial, cases pet has the last say (my kowledge on that subject is however pretty much limited) - in other words do you think we can get false results ?

Kathleen26

PET scans are correct most of the time, but are not perfect. False positives are not unknown. The only definitive thing is a biopsy. But if the PET is negative, chances are very strong it is not metastasis.