Why Is The PET CT Scan Advised For Lipoma On The Thigh?

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : just done an MRI on my right thigh.
it says Lipoma.
now doctor suggested to do PET CT Scan?
what does it indicate?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The PET CT scan will tell if the lipoma is a cancer or not

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The MRI scan shows a benign tumour containing fat which is called lipoma. However a lipoma can become malignant and it is important to do a PET CT to differentiate between a benign or malignant tumour.

In other words your doctor wants to do PET CT and rule out any cancer in the lipoma.

A biopsy is also suggested if required after doing the PET CT scan.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar