PET scan results?

I was just diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and had a PET scan done yesterday. The doctor said they found "something" on my spine, and they want to do more tests. Any ideas on what that "something" could be? I'm a little worried.

A P.E.T. scan actually images areas of increased metabolism, not areas of increased cell division as mentioned before. P.E.T. stands for positron emission tomography. A short-lived radionucleotide is chemically paired with a metabolically active molecule, normally a sugar, and then introduced into the patient. The P.E.T. scanner uses a scintilation detector to record gamma radiation that is produced after the sugar is metabolized.

Cancerous cells do divide at a much higher rate than do normal cells. This is called hypermytosis. Since these cells are hyperactive, their metabolic rate is increased as well. Because normal cells throughout the body will have an almost uniform metabolic rate, P.E.T. scanners are able to detect which areas are abnormal by using a gain filter of sorts.

Because you had what we call a "hot spot" on your spine, does not necessarily mean you have cancer in your spine. It could also be indicative of an infection known as osteomyelitis (infected bone).

Given what we know about your history, their is a possibility of metastasis. However, further testing will be more definitive. You may need an MRI, CT, or a biopsy.

As for now, you should be focused on what you do know. You have Hodgkins Lymphoma. This is a very tough disease to beat. Take it one step at a time. Find a support group that suits you, and communicate with those that can help you deal with this situation.

Good luck, and get well

You mentioned on another post you had gotten a biopsy of the lump on your neck and you said it's Hodgkins lymphoma. I assumed you didn't know that lymphoma was cancer. It's quite likely the secondary mass would be too. Good luck. Report It

Well Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of cancer hon. My son had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and he was treated this summer and is fine now. So hang in there.

I'm sorry if this comes as a shock, but that is what lymphoma is.

Of all the cancers, lymphoma has the highest treatment success for curability.

You will have to go through chemo, and likely some injections to your spine too (they don't really hurt) but find out what stage you are at. If it is stage one, it's early and hopefully you won't need a whole lot of chemo. Stay positive. You will make it through and you'll be ok. Don't eat before the chemo is my advice to you. I'm sorry you have to go through this but you should be fine. The sooner you start treatment the better too. The chemo literally melted the mass my son had within 48 hours. If this is the only place you have a mass that is the best news, but if it is elsewhere, it's still curable. The earlier the stage the better. It means a shorter treatment course.

The PET scanner is the best machine to spot cancer, so I'm glad you have that available. We just got that machine here in Canada and I am happy to say it was the one that said that my son is now cancer free!

((Hugs)) I'll say a prayer for you...Lord knows they worked miracles for my son.

And yes, don't worry about that secondary something...it could be nothing...machines can be over sensitive at times and pick up false-positives.

Not sure what that something is, but if you want to find a good support group online that maybe able to help check out the discussion boards at the Luekemia/Lymphoma Society website..
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls

The PET scan shows areas in the body where there are rapidly dividing cells (cells that have hyperactivity). "Something" could mean an infection, an inflammation (swelling), or a tumor (cancer).
Since these three cannot be differentiated by a PET scan, another test is required to corroborate or confirm the findings. Only after there is confirmation can the doctors decide on the recommended treatment (if needed).
My first PET scan in July 2005 after being treated for cancer, showed the cancer had spread to six sites in my body (lymph nodes of the neck and groin, hip and two on the left rib). This was confirmed by MRI (neck) and CT scan (body). I was treated anew and my next PET scan (Feb. 2006) showed five sites gone and one remaining on my neck lymph node. I had a neck ultrasound and it was negative (they found nothing in the ultrasound). They suspected that if it was cancer, it was less than the size of a mongo bean (the PET scan is very sensitive and can find hyperactive cells even before it shows up as a lump in any organ of the body). I had to seek many opinions and six of seven doctors said I better observe and have no treatment.
My third PET scan (Feb. 2007) showed the hyperactive cells on my neck are gone---and I did not even get any treatment for it all of 2006. It found "something" too on my remaining breast but I still need to get a mammogram to confirm if it's something that needs to be treated.
I consulted an OB-GYN a few months back for pain on that breast and since it ached while she pressed down on it, she suspected it was just a pulled muscle (I play badminton) that needed to heal. She didn't find anything and the pain is gone. Still, I would go for a mammogram just to be sure. Our health is our responsibility and we can't take anything for granted.
Your doctors will know better after more tests are done.

One thing I can say is that Hodgkin's Disease is one of the most treatable types of cancers (ie it has an excellent cure rate.)

I don't think we should try to guess what the doctor meant by "something."