PET scan

[anu134]

my husband's PET scan report shows SUV=3.9 to 9.7. In PET scan, there is a lymphnode in neck and some in chest. SUV of neck lymphnode is 9.7 and for chest lymphnodes, it is 3.9 to 6.4. Docotrs wanted to do biopsy of this neck lymphnode but it was found difficult to do. He said that there is also possibility of sarcoidosis. In sarcoidosis, may this SUV be too high? My husband has no symptoms of lymphoma. Now what should we do? Doctors suggested to take regular checkup. But I am afraid. Is it also the possibilty of lymphoma? Is this SUV really high and indicating lymphoma?

[Lorrie62]

I had lymphadenopathy in the abdomen with the SUV in the 8's which proved to be follicular Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  There is no way to tell for sure until a biopsy is done.

[Lymph27]

Lorrie62 is correct. Lymphoma cannot be ruled in or out unless an excisional biopsy is performed. FNA (fine needle biopsy) while less invasive can be misleading and often an excisional biopsy will have to be done anyways. I recommend pushing for the excisional biopsy. This way you will know for sure. My husband did not have any of the typical lymphoma symptoms (except palpable masses in his cervical -neck- lymph nodes) and yet was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Your husbands SUVs are not at the highest end of the spectrum (some lymphomas have SUV of up to 50 or 60) but it is no indication of lymphoma or whether it is indolent (not that aggressive) or aggressive. Only a biopsy will tell you these things. Another option is to request an MRI which can show whether the sources of uptake are due to inflammation.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.