PET leg scan reason, LE

[Cat321]

I have just been diagnosed with invasive ductal cancr, left breast, with one axillary lymph node positive on core needle biopsy (was visible in mammogramk and ultrasound.)

Today iIhad a 30 minute chest-abdomen-pelvis PET scan. The doctor then had them do a 12-minute (really 15 min.)  PET scan of my legs. I worry why he added that. I d have lymphedema in both lower extremeties/

Thanks!

[Cat321]

My tchnician and oncologist considere a whole body scan to be chest, abdomen, pelvis, so the legs addition was scary. II asked the tech, but of xours eshe did not commit, just said someitimes we get more pictures. Luckily, it came up clear except the known lump and involved axllarty lymph node.

M y PCP was helpful in saying that they often check to see if there are any leg vein clots before treatment.

Thanks for youm comment!

[japdip]

As a rule the entire body is involved when a PET scan is done to ck. for possible metastatic disease. You might have asked the Rad. Tech. about this method. It dosn't seem unusual to me but perhaps your Dr. had a specific reason other than normal procedure. Regards .....