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CT scan PET scan

Meggles
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My mum has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She had a ct scan and was told by the doctor that it was in one place and hadn't spread to other organs. She has been getting prepped for a whipples operation- she has had a fitness test, heart echo and will be having a PET scan.  My question is that if a CT scan had showed it hadn't spread, can a PET scan show something different to that? I feel like all the hope and prep that she can have the operation has been pushed, but if she has the PET and it shows she can't have the operation it will be another massive blow. The hope that it can be removed is all we are holding on to. 

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    Yes it could It happened to me, but it is far better to know.even if it has spread it’s not definitely the end.good luck.

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry to read about your mum. This must be a difficult time for you all.

    A PET scan can sometimes pick up things a CT scan doesn't. But this doesn't mean that the PET scan will definitely find something new. Scans are done to find out more about the cancer ,to make sure that that your mum is safe to have the Whipple's procedure. It's a major operation and your mum's doctors wouldn't want her to go through major surgery, with all the risks and recovery time involved, if the cancer was still in another part of her body.

    I appreciate this uncertainty must be hard. Try and hold on to the fact that your mum's team is being very thorough and want to do what's best for her.

    I hope the PET scan confirms what the CT scan showed and that she can move forward with the surgery.

    Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

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