PET scan for single pulmonary nodule

[Lorelei66]

I just had a PET scan for a single pulmonary nodule (8mm). I have recently had a bunch of tests (after a single case of internal bleeding/melena, which remains a mystery) to rule out many things (Gastro-endoscopy, colonoscopy, echo & CT scans of abdomen, 2 chest x-rays, chest CT scan, and mammogram), and all they've found so far is a (supposedly benign 4cm dermoid) cyst in my ovary, and the SPN. The doctors say the spot is very small, and they can't gaurantee that its benign - thus the PET scan. I am 38, never smoked a single cigarette in my life, and am otherwise fit and in perfect health. I did have pneumonia 5 years ago, but the doctors can't say that its related. The seriousness of this test really has me worried. Could you give me any idea what the possibilities test results might be? Is there any diagnosis besides benign tumor or lung cancer? The doctors also mentioned a concern that it could be a secondary tumor, but could I have metastisized cancer without even having any symptoms?! Any information you could give would be much appreciated!
Nancy

[Lorelei66]

Thanks for your response - I've never heard of this. The internal bleed was a one-time occurence, 4 1/2 months ago - never happened again (the theory is that my sometimes excessive use of Ibuprofin for headaches caused a tiny ulcer/tear in my stomach that was healing/healed by the time I was tested - I haven't used Ibuprofin since!). Is that still possibly an AVM If I only bleed one time? My doctors (internist and gyno) seemed only concerned with malignancy, and since they couldn't find a primary cancer (not for lack of trying, believe me), AND because I had pneumonia in my left lung 5 years ago, they seemed content with the negative PET results, but will follow it up for 2 years.

I really appreciate this new info, though. I'll keep it in mind if any concerns arise again.

[Lorelei66]

Thank you for your response. Fortunately my treatment moved so quickly that your answer came long after the fact. The PET scan showed no activity in the lungs. We will monitor the spot with chest x-rays (or CT scans?) for the next year or so.... I have also just had my laparoscopy (which prompted the frightening chest x-ray in the first place), and instead of the expected ovarian cyst they found a (seemingly harmless) fibroid on the outside of my uterus! So at the moment I appear healthy - I just need to follow-up to make sure things stay that way!

Reading through the forum archives was very helpful to me in dealing with this sudden crisis - it hepled lessen the fear a bit and I learned a lot - thanks!

[HappyNeige]

PET is good if the spot is bigger (usually > 10 mm).  In your case, having a negative PET may not mean much because the spot is quite small.  One thing you may want to ask your doctor about (and this may have something to do with your internal bleeding as well.) is the possibility that the spot is an AVM (arteriovenous malformation).  AVMs can occur in the lung (as a spot), in the stomach or intestine or in the liver.  And these things bleed quite often.  Pulmonary angiogram is a good way to find out if the spot in your lung is an AVM.  But ask your doctor first about how likely he/she thinks this might be AVM.  (BTW, AVM will show up as negative on the PET scan.)

Good luck,
HappyNeige...

[National Jewish]

I assume that your doctors have compared your recent chest x-ray with chest x-rays you

[Lorelei66]

But isn't a benign nodule OK????? I understand that the best-case scenario is that this (benign) nodule will need to be watched for two years. But aren't the chances good that it will remain benign (if it even is benign - I'm still waiting for the PET scan results....)

[EROS]

The big problem with PET scans is that in alot of cases they show benign nodules which require further follow up and investigation.

Eros.