What is better, MRI or Pet Scan?

[Lyn]

Just wondering which is better or should I say more accurate. My uncle had a PET scan saying all was clear and he died about 2 months later, original spread to bone,lungs,liver brain, I know in my last flare up it was only the MRI that found it but I have never had a PET scan but I want the brain done this time when I finish my combo.

Love & Hugs Lyn

[Pam P]

As I understand it, I think a lot depends on what they're looking for. They're all sensitive tests with different technologies, but none of them perfect. I've heard MRI is best for checking brain, CT for tissue, organs, PET shows any possible cancer activity for both organ & bone. I'm not sure, but don't hear of PET being used for tracking brain mets. Probably others know much more than me, but hope this helps.

[Ron]

Lyn,

Please let me encourage you to have the brain MRI as soon as possible. You may have to "Story" to the doctor, tell him/her you are having headaches. This will at least get you an MRI and establish a baseline.

Many times the protocols do not call for MRIs unless there are symptoms. Cyndi had no symptoms yet when an MRI was performed, there were multiple lesions. But because they were small, the treatment (radiation) was easier to endure.

The PET scan is an expensive test and at least my insurance company requires special documentation from the physician before authorization.

God Bless You,
ron

[Annemarie]

Each test is specific. If you want to test for brain mets from bc the best test is the brain MRI the PET that my Dr. uses goes from the neck to the knees. CAT scan and bone scan should be used as first line to check for mets in other organs. If there is a question than PET. Each PET scan cost my insurance company $2k so protocal must be followed.

[Lyn]

Thanks


Love & Hugs Lyn

[Christine]

I always had MRI to follow up on brain mets, and this was always compared to the previous MRI. It has served me well. PET scans are mostly used as a body scan to check for malignancy, but not the brain. PET scans use radiation to detect tumors and is not usually recommended for brain scanning.
Hugs to all

[michele u]

Lyn.,,
I've had both done. I know the mRI's are better for brain met. But the PET scan be asked to do the brain down. I don't think it is as good for finding smaller mets, but i think it will pick one up. Like the other said ct is better for soft tissue things like liver,lung. my two pet scans were covered, they would just be restaging on the dx. They didn't have anytrouble with that. I have midlands choice.