[WeatherNurse13]

Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by WeatherNurse13 on Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:34 pm

Hello All,

Just wondering how many of you get PET scans, CT scans and skeletal surveys. Why would one be used over another?

Some of my multiple myeloma buddies get PET scans and CTs and so far I have only had skeletal surveys. I can't complain though, I am in a CR with no evidence of lytic lesions on my xrays. I did have lesions on diagnosis.

[dnalex]

Re: Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by dnalex on Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:49 pm

Hi Gracie,

This might be interesting reading for you.
https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2012/09/12/study-compares-mri-and-pet-ct-scans-for-evaluation-of-multiple-myeloma/

In summary, MRIs are supposed to be more accurate is best used for detecting disease relapses etc., which PETs are thought to be better for detecting response to treatment.

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by Beacon Staff on Sun Jun 22, 2014 11:12 pm

Hello Gracie,

In addition to the link that dnalex mentioned, you may want to consider reviewing a rather detailed news article the Beacon published a month or two ago. Here's a link to it:

Researchers Review Current Diagnostic Imaging Techniques For Multiple Myeloma

The reviews a detailed survey article about imaging for myeloma that includes descriptions of the different types of imaging, their pros and cons, and the best uses for each type of imaging.

There are also a number of previous discussions here in the forum on this topic that you may find helpful. Please see this list of discussions generated by an advanced search from the forum search box.

[Wayne K]

Re: Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by Wayne K on Mon Jun 23, 2014 11:32 am

PET scans, as I understand it, are given to ensure that there are no other cancers involved. I was told that multiple myeloma can spawn other cancers, especially in people like me who have had 4 others. I had a PET before and after my SCT. The first was to ensure I was clean of any other malignancies.

An MRI is detailed and seems to be the choice when a tumor or bone problem is suspected.

The skeletal survey is used to spot potential problems. It is cheaper, quicker, and can be complete. They can be followed up by an MRI to further evaluate anything of interest from the survey.

That is pretty much how it was presented to me.

[Gil Siegel]

Re: Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by Gil Siegel on Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:17 pm

Pet scan for me every 6 months cause I am non-secretory. First done at time of diagnosis, January 10, 2010.

[gmarv]

Re: Imaging - what kind do you get done (and why)?

by gmarv on Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:53 pm

I have been getting an MRI scan, an MRI blood flow scan, and a CT scan every six months so far.

UAMS seems to think these are the ones for me.