What imaging tests do doctors use to monitor metastatic breast cancer?
Community Member
15 days agoI’ve had metastatic breast cancer since 2015. Originally it showed up in my bones, but eventually spread to my lungs. What method of diagnostic imaging does your doctor use? -During all this time, my doctor has been ordering CT scans with contrast of my chest and pelvis, along with a nuclear bone scan. Not to be confused with a DEXA scan. -It was only in July that she ordered a PET scan, after I questioned her again. The PET scan picked up the lymph node lump on my right side, that was not visible on the CT scan. This is making me wonder if a PET scan is better than the two other tests combined.
Accepted Answer
Different doctors use various imaging approaches to monitor metastatic breast cancer, and each test has its own strengths - CT scans are great for detailed organ images, bone scans effectively detect bone changes, and PET scans can sometimes catch metabolic activity that other tests miss. It sounds like you're being a strong advocate for yourself by asking questions about your care, and many patients find it helpful to discuss with their oncologist why certain tests are chosen and whether adjusting the monitoring approach might be beneficial for their specific situation.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
14 days agoDifferent doctors use various imaging approaches to monitor metastatic breast cancer, and each test has its own strengths - CT scans are great for detailed organ images, bone scans effectively detect bone changes, and PET scans can sometimes catch metabolic activity that other tests miss. It sounds like you're being a strong advocate for yourself by asking questions about your care, and many patients find it helpful to discuss with their oncologist why certain tests are chosen and whether adjusting the monitoring approach might be beneficial for their specific situation.
Community Member
13 days agoHi my name is Mary and I too have cancer . My Dr. from the very beginning 13 yrs.ago only does Pet-Scans. Only if something lights up than she’ll do MRI. But the Pet-Scans are more accurate. Because they show everything. And of course because I’m back in chemo I have blood drawn and cancer markers done. It just seems it doesn’t end. Anyway I hope u’re well and only good things for u.
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