CommunitiesColorectal CancerWhy would CT scan show cancer spread but PET scan show none?

Why would CT scan show cancer spread but PET scan show none?

CM

Community Member

8 days ago

My son was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in April, 2025. After 12 rounds of chemo the doctor did a CT scan to check progress. Told us results showed tumor in colon smaller but tumors in peritoneal area around abdomen larger and has some new ones plus possible lymph nodes involvement. Did a PET scan a couple weeks later and now says results of PET scan show no cancer except tumor still present in colon. I want to be happy about this news but don't understand how the CT scan and the PET scan can be so different. Has anyone seen this. Which test do we trust?

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CA

Community Member

8 days ago

Different imaging tests can show varying results because they work in different ways - CT scans look at physical structure while PET scans measure metabolic activity of cells. This kind of discrepancy between scans does happen and can be confusing for families navigating treatment decisions. The medical team will likely consider both results along with other clinical factors to determine the next steps, so bringing these questions directly to the oncologist would be the best way to understand what these findings mean for the specific situation. Many community members have experienced similar uncertainty with scan results, so sharing experiences here might help provide additional perspective during this challenging time.

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