I have a quick question. First, thank you very much for your time!! My dad has a history of prostate CA where they removed the prostate,margines came positive but he refused radiation treatments. He has been monitoring his PSA for one year it has been nondetectable. My dad also has a history of bladder CA, the tumor has been removed,no metastases, and he has been having cystoscopies for 1 year and half, so far everything clear. 6 months ago we found out he has stomach CA, which is a separate new CA, they removed part of his stomach and margins clear everything good. My question is: do you think that PET scan is a good test to find any cancer cells that has remained in him after these 3 cancers or to find any new developing CA somewhere else since he has a strong history of CA?? His MD is saying that CT scan is enough, but I have read that PET scan is very accurate test and I am wondering why the doctors do not order it for cancer monitoring. Please advise. Thank you!!!
Yes what you have read is right. PET scan is highly accurate and far better reliable test. Such patients should undergo PET scan once a year. Screening should be done.PSA & other cancer markers should be done every 6 months. For further correspondence you can write to kalpclinichpathy@gmail.comThanks & regards Chat Doctor. M.D.(HOM)