
What Would Your Interruption Of This PET Scan Be? I

Question: What would your interruption of this PET scan be? I do not understand what they mean... is it unsure if it's cancer or not? * IMPRESSION: Hypermetabolic right lower lobe pulmonary nodule and right hilar lymph node are non-specific. Differentials are unchanged, including infectious/inflammatory change versus primary lung malignancy with lymphadenopathy. Narrative EXAM: NM PET CT IMAGING, SKULL TO THIGH INDICATION: Lung nodule and hilar lymphadenopathy. RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL: 12.6 mCi F18-FDG IV TECHNICAL: Positron emission tomography with concurrently acquired non-breath-hold low dose computed tomography was performed from the skull base to mid thigh. Limited CT imaging is done for attenuation correction and localization purposes. It is limited by lower dose and respiratory motion. No IV contrast material was administered. Uptake time: 71 minutes COMPARISON: Chest CT dated 20 December 2019. No prior PET/CT for comparison. FINDINGS: Fingerstick glucose at the time of radiopharmaceutical injection was 108 mg/dL. The standardized uptake values (SUV) are normalized to patient's lean body mass and indicate the highest activity concentration (SUV max) in a given disease state. Liver background mean SUV for reference is 1.5. Combined report of the FDG PET and the concurrently performed non-contrast CT that is primarily utilized for attenuation correction and anatomic localization. HEAD/NECK: FDG uptake at the left anterior maxilla is related to dental disease. Bilateral cervical lymph nodes with mild FDG uptake are probably reactive. CHEST: Right lower lobe pulmonary nodule (axial image 204) demonstrates FDG uptake (max SUV 1.7). Right hilar lymph node (axial image 204) also demonstrates FDG uptake (max SUV 4.7). No other abnormal hilar or mediastinal lymph node uptake is identified. ABDOMEN/PELVIS: No abnormal FDG uptake. Extensive gastrointestinal tract FDG uptake is likely related to metformin usage. Cholecystectomy. Linear FDG uptake within the endometrium, likely physiologic in a reproductive age woman. BONES/SOFT TISSUES: FDG uptake superficial to the right greater trochanter is likely inflammatory.
Brief Answer:
Possibility of infection is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the report you have mentioned.
Possibility of infection is more likely.
But biopsy is must to rule out malignancy (cancer).
So consult pulmonologist and get done Bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
2. What are your symptoms?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Possibility of infection is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the report you have mentioned.
Possibility of infection is more likely.
But biopsy is must to rule out malignancy (cancer).
So consult pulmonologist and get done Bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
2. What are your symptoms?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


1. yes, for 25 years at 1.5 packs a day. 2. shortness of breath upon exertion, wheezing, lingering cough, coughing up mucus. thank you!
Brief Answer:
Get done bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Sorry for late reply as I was busy in family function.
By your history, I would suggest to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Get done bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Sorry for late reply as I was busy in family function.
By your history, I would suggest to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, bronchoscopy and biopsy.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D

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