PET scan

Is PET scan considered a reliable means of identifying tumors or as alternative to axillary lymph node dissection?  I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I am worried about my other breast.  The doctors told me my mammogram is clear and there are no suspicious lumps, but I am still worried because my first mammogram didn't show the lump I felt that turned out to be cancerous.  Also, I am scheduled to have axillary lymph node dissection later this week, and I have been reading about PET scans.  My doctor said they only do PET scans on bone, brain, liver, lung, and mellanoma cancers.  Some things I have read indicate it is being used for some breast cancer treatments.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear rrds:  PET scan is not an alternative to axillary node dissection at this point. PET scan is used in combination with other tests to help identify "metabolically active" tissue.  Many cancers are more metabolically active than normal tissue.  The specific role of PET scanning in many diseases is yet to be determined.  Also, it is a test, not a treatment for any cancer.