PET Scan - False Postives

[margo]

My PET/CT scan from last week shows that my liver looks great. I had an RFA, which has been successful. My liver SUV score has dropped to zero over time.

However, the SUV at my lumpectomy (w/shrinking hematoma) site are rising over time (1.4, 1.9, 2.4). Last week, my value was 2.4 and a comment of "Malignancy Not Excluded, further testing required". My surgeon and Oncologist seem to think this is a false positive. If so, why the rising score? My lumpectomy was in 12/04.

At surgical sites, is anyone else experiencing:

1. Rising SUV's?
2. Level SUV's?
3. SUV's slowly dropping and/or returning to zero?

[heblaj01]

Margo,

If you suspect a false positive PET/CT scan results check if all precautions were taken at the time of the scan & the day before:
1. warm blanket : see http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=24296&highlight=warm+coffee

2. Prior day: no sugar, artificial sweeteners,fruits, carbohydrates. No exercize etc... (Precautions normally recommanded by radiology department)

[margo]

Thank you for the information about the warm blanket. I will pass it on to the Nuclear Medicine department. I was wrapped in a blanket, though it was not warmed.

The day before my test I was allowed to eat only chicken and broccoli, and no food after midnight. It is a good thing I like broccoli :-)

I am curious about my SUV's and the pattern that is occurring at the surgery site. Hopefully, I will receive some information from patients that are experiencing similar issues.

Thank you again,

Margo