Understanding PET Scan Results: SUV Measurements and Tumor Size

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BC

Community Member

2 years ago

I have a question about PET scans. I had my fourth one yesterday. The results show that there are new masses on my spine and one rib. The other masses have enlarged. The report says the SUVs have enlarged from 7.16 to 9.32. if I understand correctly, the size is measuring the pixels on the scan. Is that right? If so, how can I figure out what size the mass really is? Thank you.

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SUV measurements on PET scans show how much glucose the tissue is absorbing, not the physical size in pixels - higher numbers like the increase from 7.16 to 9.32 typically indicate more metabolic activity. The actual size measurements are usually reported separately in centimeters or millimeters, so it would be helpful to ask the medical team to explain both the SUV values and the physical dimensions during the next appointment, as they can best interpret these results in the context of the overall treatment plan.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

SUV measurements on PET scans show how much glucose the tissue is absorbing, not the physical size in pixels - higher numbers like the increase from 7.16 to 9.32 typically indicate more metabolic activity. The actual size measurements are usually reported separately in centimeters or millimeters, so it would be helpful to ask the medical team to explain both the SUV values and the physical dimensions during the next appointment, as they can best interpret these results in the context of the overall treatment plan.

Understanding PET Scan Results: SUV Measurements and Tumor Size

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