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785188 tn?1279928405

PET scan vs. CT Scan

Confused.  My moms CA level went up to 305 (from 13) and the CT showed nothing and she hasnt been feeling well for 3 weeks now.  Her 3 month apt is Friday (that was a very long wait and still is) to see the oncologist.  We told my mom to ask if maybe she can have a PET scan since I was under the assumption is shows more.  The Docs asst said that it wouldn't show anymore than what a CT shows.

Also - I have read alot that if the cancer isnt visible on the CT and even with rising CA levels that alot of doctors won't give chemo or treat this even though we don't know where it could be growing.  There is a reason she isn't feeling well.  Wondering what to ask at the apt on Friday????
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110491 tn?1274481937
That's crazy! What if the marker rise is cause by something other than cancer? Probably only a slim chance, and maybe that's how they justify it, but still...

Then again, if the marker has been a good indicator, and your mom has symptoms that the doctors feel are consistent with your mom's cancer, it may be the right course.

Wishing you best of luck.
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514293 tn?1281462119
WOW I can't beleive they started chemo on her without finding out what the problem is.  Keep pushing for the PET.  God Bless !!!
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785188 tn?1279928405
Update - well the CT didnt show anything but with the rise in the CA level (which has in the past been a good indicator for my mom) and her symptoms, abdominal pain - they decided to start chemo again next Thursday.  She hasn't received treatment since Nov 09 since her CA level has been in normal range of 13.  They will be using the same treatment because it worked - carbo / taxol and avastin.  
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408448 tn?1286883821
I agree with jr1971.  With me CT picks up some tumors the PET misses and the PET picks up tumors the CT does not.  I need both.  Keep pushing for the PET. It is such a shame we have to push the docs to do what we know is needed.  Marie
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Avatar universal
I completely agree with Jane - PET scans can pick up disease in some cases better than CT. It is not always the case but in many cases it is.

My wife has no other means of diagnosing any recurrence/progression as her CA125 is always normal and so are her CT scans. PET scans very clearly showed the extent of her disease (at least 7 separate lesions). The Doctors knew she had disease as they had seen it while removing a tumour that was blocking her small intestine.

PET/CTs are expensive so not used routinely and they will generally only pick up lesions of greater than 1/2cm and bigger.

One thing that strikes me as obvious from the statements made by the Docs Asst. - What is the point of ever doing a PET scan if it doesn't show more than a CT? If what the asst said was true, PET scans would never be used.
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136849 tn?1327321510
Sorry your mom isn't feel well?  In what way?  Since the start of my cancer, that's all I have are PET/CT scans and yes PET scans do pick up more than the CT scans, that's why they cost $6500.  So that doc is wrong.  
I am sorry I don't remember has your mom have chemo yet before?
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