Just what does cause Positron Emissions

[TCLEFT]

OK, I'm off the other thread and just trying to understand. What would cause a PET to light up (even only slightly) on a testis? I just want to avoid this scare from happening again if I can help it. I've had plug and patch (supposed) hernia repair in 2004. I had the left i/o also in 2004 (guess it wasn't a hernia huh guys?). I had a prosthetic put in in 2006 (could scarring almost 2 years later do this?) because the way things were settling, I was afraid of torsion. I've had radiation and chemo. OK, you know all of that. The only thing I can think of that I did different this time was an abdominal routine the day before. This consisted of hanging crunches, roman chairs, cable crunches, all 5 sets each to failure. Does the US always trump the PET? I was told albeit confidentially that there are articles written that state the testis is more sensitive to PET than other organs (she might have been trying to calm me down?!?!). I'm not flipping gang (well maybe a little ). I just want to try and take this off of my what to worry about pile.
Much Love,
Mark

[Already Bald]

Hi Mark,
I know nothing about the PET Scans, however the US probobly does trump the PET, in the case of the testis. I look forward to reading Fed's response just to be sure...
I think you can take this one off of your worry pile- just be sure to tell the docs about your workouts.
May you find some comfort that in the unlikely case of a second TC or any recurrence, you will find it VERY early, and you will be okay.
Take it easy, Brother.

[Fed]

PET and U/S are two inherently different techniques. An U/S just looks at what is there. It is a radiation-less version of an X-ray, if you will (you really don't want your boys X-rayed). The U/S produces sound waves that will bounce off solid structures. A PET, however, looks at metabolic activity. One is given F18-fluorodeoxyglucose, a sugar analog that is readily taken up by cells that are metabolically active. F18 is radioactive, and it decays by emitting a positron, which makes the radiologic images "light up". Other than cancer cells, there are normal, highly metabolically active tissues that will also light up in a PET scan. These may include the liver and heart among others.

In its strictest interpretation, righty lighting up on the PET means that its cellular components are taking up glucose at a high rate. This indicates that the tissue is very active and working. That, tied in with your negative U/S, demonstrates that such metabolic activity is not due to cancer.

Let me know if this makes any sense. I had people over for poker last night, didn't go to bed till 4 a.m., Brooke is gone on a business trip, and the little monster woke me up at 7:30 a.m., so I'm not at my most lucid self .

[TCLEFT]

That, tied in with your negative U/S, demonstrates that such metabolic activity is not due to cancer.

Believe it or not, I actually knew the rest. It's nice to know this skull carries a couple of things other than cobwebs. What I didn't know was the part I quoted from you. So now I can stop my bulk order of Prozac. You're the best "Kid Brother " ever.
Much Love and Appreciation,
Mark

[Fed]

It's nice to know this skull carries a couple of things other than cobwebs. [...] You're the best "Kid Brother " ever.

Wisdom runs in the family .

[Russell's Mom]

Now after reading Fed's post, I would have to think that you are becoming all heart! Lovestrong Sharon

[TCLEFT]

Now after reading Fed's post, I would have to think that you are becoming all heart! Lovestrong Sharon

Fed is a remarkable combination of Intelligience, Wisdom, Heart, and Common Sense. Me? I'm just looking for a little piece (peace) of mind.

[TCLEFT]

Think Twice Before Exercising When Getting that PET Scan -
By: Society of Nuclear Medicine | Published: Mar 8, 2006 at 07:01 - yubanet.com/

"Any type of physical activity - from tapping your feet while in the waiting room to jogging the neighborhood the day before - can affect the results of a PET scan and lead to false-positive results," said Medhat M. Osman, M.D., ScM, Ph.D

The study advises technologists to instruct the patients to minimize muscle activity during the uptake phase and to telephone patients ahead of their appointments to advise them to refrain from any excessive muscle activity at least 48 hours before a PET scan.

Guess what advice I didn't listen to? Duh! Guess what advice I'm taking seriously next time?

[Russell's Mom]

I am going to stick with all heart. Sharon

[MRMRSU]

Wow...I never knew that. Will have to let Andy know. Thanks for the info.

[veryworriedmom]

Absolutly correct on the no movement. Technician told my son,no blackberry,no video games, just sit still and look at a magazine. He is a fidgety kid and they told him to keep still. Now I know why.