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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
PET Scan vs. CT Scan
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
PET Scan vs. CT Scan
by Krista40, Jul 30, 2008 05:14PM
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review my question.
When I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer (in April, 2008), one of the tests performed was a CT Scan (of thorax, chest, abdomen, and pelvis). The CT Scan showed *no* abnormalities.
Q1. Can I take this as confirmation that there is absolutely *no* metastasis to the regions that were scanned? Or, should a PET Scan be performed?
Q2. Regardless of insurance paying for scans, these days, which is the preferred post-chemo follow-up option to keep a close eye on my health: a PET Scan, or, CT Scan with Bone Scan?
Thank you.
When I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer (in April, 2008), one of the tests performed was a CT Scan (of thorax, chest, abdomen, and pelvis). The CT Scan showed *no* abnormalities.
Q1. Can I take this as confirmation that there is absolutely *no* metastasis to the regions that were scanned? Or, should a PET Scan be performed?
Q2. Regardless of insurance paying for scans, these days, which is the preferred post-chemo follow-up option to keep a close eye on my health: a PET Scan, or, CT Scan with Bone Scan?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jul 31, 2008 11:14AM
, Jul 31, 2008 11:14AM
Dear Krista40: A negative CT scan means that there is no apparent disease that would be picked up by a CT scan. In general, the assumption is that there is no metastasis. Neither a CT scan nor a PET scan can identify microscopic disease so one can never “guarantee” that there are no cancer cells anywhere else. In the setting of breast cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy is given to treat any cells that may be present and too small to detect. PET scan has not been shown to be overwhelmingly helpful for staging beyond CT and bone scan. Follow up should include regular mammograms and physical examinations.
Member Comments (2)
by japdip, Jul 30, 2008 10:31PM
To: Krista40
Usually the Oncologist has a preference as to what scans are ordered after treatment. Some in fact do not routinely do any scans. There is no evidence of longer survival whether mets is found by scan or by the appearance of symptoms. Since the patient doesn't order their own tests; it's up to the Oncologist and their particular method of practice.
