Without a doubt, it is clear that a dual PET/CT scanner has greater sensitivity and specificity in accurately detecting malignant pulmonary nodules, than CT or PET alone. Gould, Fisher, Yi and Chang at al. confirm this finding through comparative studies that assess the efficacy of each imaging technique. Merging the individual qualities of both a PET and CT scan, allows for the combined advantage of identifying morphological features, anatomic location and metabolic activity of the tumor (Lorhmann). This innovative technology has proven to be of clinical significance. Greater accuracy in identification of a SPN allows the medical team to initiate the appropriate treatment response based on the severity of the tumor. However, a drawback
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Because the spatial resolution of the scanner lies between 5-10 mm, it is not as sensitive in detecting nodules smaller than 8 mm in size (Lorhmann). As the accuracy of PET/CT decreases with smaller lesion size, it raises a concern for the interpretation of a negative result. The ACCP has created an algorithm (Figure3) to help solve this problem. It utilizes other factors such as the patient’s age, history of smoking, nodule size and morphology to determine the risk for malignancy based on the “pre-test probability” (Lorhmann). Therefore, if a nodule smaller than 8 mm, with an intermediate risk has a negative FDG-PET/CT reading, further workup is required before the status of the nodule can be determined. It necessitates repetitive CT scans throughout the course of its observation to be confirmed as benign (Lorhmann). Therefore, it seems that FDG-PET/CT cannot replace the need for confirmatory biopsies and further workup is sometimes …show more content…
It is a valuable resource in the management of lung cancer patients. By improving the efficacy of lung cancer screening and staging, it allows the medical staff to accurately diagnose and treat cancer earlier; thereby providing a brighter outlook for patients and their families by improving quality of care. However it is unclear whether negative results remove the need for biopsy to rule out malignancy. Further research is required before it can reliably be used as a tool in evaluating pulmonary
Because the spatial resolution of the scanner lies between 5-10 mm, it is not as sensitive in detecting nodules smaller than 8 mm in size (Lorhmann). As the accuracy of PET/CT decreases with smaller lesion size, it raises a concern for the interpretation of a negative result. The ACCP has created an algorithm (Figure3) to help solve this problem. It utilizes other factors such as the patient’s age, history of smoking, nodule size and morphology to determine the risk for malignancy based on the “pre-test probability” (Lorhmann). Therefore, if a nodule smaller than 8 mm, with an intermediate risk has a negative FDG-PET/CT reading, further workup is required before the status of the nodule can be determined. It necessitates repetitive CT scans throughout the course of its observation to be confirmed as benign (Lorhmann). Therefore, it seems that FDG-PET/CT cannot replace the need for confirmatory biopsies and further workup is sometimes …show more content…
It is a valuable resource in the management of lung cancer patients. By improving the efficacy of lung cancer screening and staging, it allows the medical staff to accurately diagnose and treat cancer earlier; thereby providing a brighter outlook for patients and their families by improving quality of care. However it is unclear whether negative results remove the need for biopsy to rule out malignancy. Further research is required before it can reliably be used as a tool in evaluating pulmonary