It's a really thoughtful question — could a PET scan showing increased mass size, high uptake, and a hilar node mass actually be something other than cancer progression?
The honest answer is: it's possible, but tricky to sort out without more testing. PET scans have a small false-positive rate of around 6.5%, meaning Show Full Answer
It's a really thoughtful question — could a PET scan showing increased mass size, high uptake, and a hilar node mass actually be something other than cancer progression?
The honest answer is: it's possible, but tricky to sort out without more testing. PET scans have a small false-positive rate of around 6.5%, meaning inflammation can sometimes "light up" similarly to cancer activity.
Here's what's important to know:
- High uptake on a PET scan is not automatically confirmation of cancer spread
- Inflammation can mimic cancer on imaging
- A biopsy is often the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on
- A combination PET-CT scan can give doctors even more detail to work with The best next step would be to raise this exact question with your oncology team. Ask them directly whether a biopsy of the hilar node could help clarify the picture. You also have every right to seek a second opinion on your scan results — that's always a valid option.
Your instinct to question and dig deeper is a good one. Keep advocating for yourself!
AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to
diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.
PET Scans for Lung Cancer: How Accurate Are They?
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