PET/CT scan accuracy

[countrybtrfly]

I had a PET/CT scan recently due to swollen neck lymph nodes. The results of the whole body scan stated, "There is wall thickening of the cecum with increased hypermetabolic activity, 4.8, differential diagnosis includes colitis, malignancy vs underdistention of the colon with physiologic colonic uptake". I have cancer history in my family. I keep getting told to not worry until the colonoscopy next Tuesday? But very worried! Any similar stories? I am new at this, and not quite sure of all the lingo.

[mypinkheaven]

I had a PET/CT scan recently due to swollen neck lymph nodes. The results of the whole body scan stated, "There is wall thickening of the cecum with increased hypermetabolic activity, 4.8, differential diagnosis includes colitis, malignancy vs underdistention of the colon with physiologic colonic uptake". I have cancer history in my family. I keep getting told to not worry until the colonoscopy next Tuesday? But very worried! Any similar stories? I am new at this, and not quite sure of all the lingo.

Colitis inflammation can "light up" on a PET scan. And: "One recognized pitfall in the interpretation of small and large bowel disease is underdistention, which can simulate the appearance of bowel wall thickening."

So, Tuesday is right around the corner - try not to worry too much I hope the scope goes well and all the worry was for nothing!!

[BrownBagger]

Worrying is a waste of time and I know it's an easy thing to say, but a lot harder to actually accomplish. Try to reduce your stress levels and you'll live longer. What I try to do is find something to occupy my attention so that I can at least temporarily forget about whatever it is I'd be worrying about otherwise. Since I'm an editor, proofreading works pretty well. I try to do that while waiting on scan results in my doctor's office. Exercise is another excellent way of keeping your mind occupied (the blood leaves your brain and goes to your muscles). Plus, it feels good. Read a good book or go visit a friend. Lots you could be doing instead of sitting around making yourself sick with anxiety.

Best of luck on your scope. It's really the only definitive way to detect colorectal cancer. Everything else is always open to interpretation and much less accurate.