Understanding PET Scan Findings
Hello! Here’s a brief overview of my situation. I have a background of sarcoidosis, which has been in remission for nearly a year without treatment. Recent blood tests indicated heightened inflammatory markers, particularly a sedimentation rate of 80. My physician suggested a PET scan as both the CT scan and MRI did not reveal any signs of sarcoidosis. I am seeking some assistance in understanding these results, as I am feeling quite anxious about them, especially since my next rheumatologist appointment is not scheduled until the end of the month. **Findings Summary** 1. There is a notable increase in metabolic activity in the posterior nasopharynx, potentially indicating mild soft tissue prominence, which might be the result of lymphoid hyperplasia, mucosal activation, or an inflammatory process. It is advisable to conduct short-term follow-up with PET-CT in three months to monitor any changes. 2. Bilateral cervical lymph nodes show small sizes with mild to moderate increased metabolic activity, likely due to reactive or inflammatory causes. 3. There is no indication of metabolically active malignant or metastatic disease, nor is there any evidence of active lymph node disease. **EXAM: Whole Body PET/CT** **CLINICAL HISTORY:** Previous diagnosis of sarcoidosis **COMPARISON:** CT Chest with Contrast, dated 2025-06-05 13:08:13 **FINDINGS:** - **Metabolic Activity Reference Points:** 1. Mediastinal blood pool SUV max at 2.3 2. Liver SUV max showing normal levels at 3.2 - **Head and Neck:** Notable hypermetabolic activity in the posterior nasopharynx, measuring around 0.7 x 1.8 cm with a max SUV of 6.6. There are small bilateral cervical lymph nodes, the right one measuring approximately 0.7 x 1.3 cm with a max SUV of 3.2. Increased metabolic activity is seen symmetrically around the base of the tongue and tonsillar areas, likely indicative of lymphoid hyperplasia or normal mucosal activation. - **Thorax:** No significant hypermetabolic foci noted. - **Abdomen and Pelvis:** No notable hypermetabolic foci present, although increased uptake in the endometrial cavity suggests changes related to hormonal activity associated with the menstrual cycle. - **Lower Extremities:** No significant hypermetabolic findings. - **Bone:** There are areas of asymmetric increased uptake within the axial and appendicular bone marrow, likely representing marrow hyperplasia or activation.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 5:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing the details about your situation. It's understandable to feel anxious about your PET scan results, especially given your background with sarcoidosis and the recent changes in your inflammatory markers.
Key Points of Your PET Scan Findings:
- Increased metabolic activity noted in the nasopharynx and cervical lymph nodes, likely linked to inflammation or lymphoid hyperplasia.
- No signs of cancer or active lymphatic disease were found.
- A follow-up PET-CT is suggested in three months to monitor any changes.
Understanding Your Results:
Your scan indicates some increased metabolic activity that is commonly associated with inflammation or immune responses rather than malignancy. The increased uptake in the nasopharynx might suggest that your body is reacting to something, possibly linked to your sarcoidosis or another inflammatory process. The cervical lymph nodes are also mildly active but are small, which is a reassuring sign.
Next Steps:
Here are prioritized actions you can take while you await your rheumatologist appointment:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your health, such as the development of new symptoms like fever, persistent pain, or unusual fatigue, and document them.
-
Manage Anxiety: Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness meditation to help reduce anxiety while you're waiting for more information.
-
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focus on maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Regular, light exercise can also help manage stress and inflammation.
-
Scheduled Follow-Up: Prepare any questions or concerns you have for your upcoming appointment. It may help to write them down ahead of time so you don’t forget them.
-
Stay Informed: If you have uncertainties about your condition or treatment options, researching reputable medical sources can provide additional clarity, although take care not to overwhelm yourself with information.
Though this period of waiting can be challenging, the absence of cancerous activity in your PET scan is a positive aspect. If you feel additional support or reassurance is needed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends or family. You’re not alone in this; many people experience uncertainty during health evaluations. Let me know if you need more guidance or have specific questions!
Related Questions
Are My Symptoms Indicating an Impending Stroke?
I’m a young adult female, weighing 99 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. I do not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol, and currently, I am undergoing tests for POTS and HEDS. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in the upper region of my head, particularly in the back and temples. These aren’t typical headaches, but rather sudden twinges of pain that occur sporadically throughout the day. Additionally, over this same period, I have been dealing with bouts of vertigo—probably about 4 to 5 days where it came and went. A few days back, I also encountered a tingling sensation in my arms, which I can’t tell if it was simply due to anxiety. Given that my aunt suffered a stroke in her thirties, the prospect of having a stroke terrifies me. I find that the emergency room here primarily prescribes pain medication if you mention head discomfort, which leaves me uncertain about what steps to take next. Could these symptoms signal an impending stroke? Furthermore, I've also been experiencing pain in my left leg, though I’m unsure if that’s connected to my other symptoms.
Identifying Skin Marks on My Child
My 5-year-old daughter, who has no history of allergies, has developed peculiar skin marks over the past four to five days. Each morning, I observe these blemishes, which mysteriously disappear by the next day, only to reappear in different locations. The majority of these spots are located on her lower back, buttocks, and the back of her thighs, although I've also seen some on her upper back and a single one on her cheek. As an additional note, she began exhibiting mild cold symptoms last night, including a cough, some mucus, and a slight increase in body temperature. To provide further context: she mentioned that the marks are somewhat itchy, but she hasn’t been scratching them excessively.
Impact of Tegretol Overdose at Age 7
As a woman now in her late thirties, I reflect back on a significant event from my childhood. At just seven years old, I accidentally ingested a large quantity of Tegretol, a medication prescribed to my brother for his epilepsy. Without realizing the danger, I swallowed a handful of those pills and fell asleep on the couch next to my mother. To my surprise, I regained consciousness a week later in a hospital bed. My mother recounted that I had suffered a seizure, at which point she found herself unable to awaken me, leading to a state of coma. Once I awoke, the emotional shift was profound; I transitioned from sadness to experiencing a tumultuous range of feelings. I am now curious about how such an overdose could have impacted my brain function. I attempted to search online for insights but came up empty-handed. Any information or shared experiences related to brain effects from similar situations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Unexplained Symptoms Over the Past Few Years
Greetings, Around three years ago, I started to experience a variety of symptoms that appeared quite abruptly. They seemed to improve briefly, only to return later. This initial onset threw me into a panic, leading me to suspect something severe, like cancer. After consulting my physician, I underwent tests through a neurologist and had multiple lab analyses, yet no definitive diagnosis emerged. Frustrated by the ongoing uncertainty, I ceased my attempts to find answers and have not revisited the doctor for these issues in years. This situation dates back to approximately 2021, coinciding with my time as a nursing student. While I can't be sure if there's a connection, it was around this period that I contracted COVID-19 for the first time and also received my annual flu shot as part of my nursing curriculum. Additionally, I was treated for melanoma during this time, undergoing a Mohs procedure to eliminate it, which was part of the initial anxiety surrounding my symptoms. Below are the symptoms I’ve documented: The first change I noticed was an unrelenting muscle fatigue. Simple tasks such as carrying groceries or working outdoors left me feeling immensely winded. I began to realize that the muscles in my neck felt excessively weak, and my arms and legs, although still functional, felt distinctly weaker than before. Although I could still perform my usual activities, I often felt unsteady, especially when descending stairs. Shortly thereafter, I began suffering from frequent muscle cramps at night and persistent twitching in my muscles during the day, particularly in my legs. I also observed involuntary movements in the inner arches of my feet, which, while somewhat common, were consistently present and unusual for me. Another concerning symptom was the onset of intermittent blurred vision. This issue varies in intensity, making it particularly troublesome during episodes that seem to flare up, often exacerbated by bright lighting, like that from screens or sunlight streaming through open windows. I found myself increasing the font size on screens and printed material because reading became quite challenging. While I haven’t seen an eye care professional yet, the suddenness of these vision problems caught me off guard. Additionally, I observed a significant size disparity between the muscles in my arms; my left arm appeared noticeably bulkier than my right. As a left-handed individual, I had never paid much attention to this before, though it’s possible it’s been like this for some time. The most perplexing symptom, one that’s been difficult to research, involves my right shoulder area. The deltoid region developed an odd squishy sensation. This prompts me to mention the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. I’ve found no information on this symptom, and inquiries yield little guidance. Initially, it felt as if a lump had developed beneath my deltoid. Gradually, the entire area became squishy, resembling fibrous, lumpy tissue rather than muscle. In contrast, when I flex my left arm, it feels muscular and firm, whereas the right arm feels substantially softer. This strange condition raises questions—could a flaw in the vaccine administration by classmate healthcare students have contributed to this issue, or is it related to my other unexplained symptoms? As for medical evaluations, my Basic Metabolic Panel and Magnesium levels were unremarkable, as was my Complete Blood Count. Further inflammatory markers including CRP, CK, and ESR all returned normal results. My hemoglobin A1c was towards the high end of normal but did not classify as pre-diabetic. Autoimmune tests yielded no significant findings, and a nerve conduction study did not reveal any abnormal results either. The results from an EMG suggested mild increased insertional activity in several tested muscles, though it was deemed possibly normal, yet it might indicate an EMG disease. Unfortunately, I was unable to undergo MRI imaging due to insurance challenges at that time. I am a 42-year-old male with no significant past medical history beyond the prior melanoma and not currently using medication, aside from over-the-counter Benadryl for sleep issues. Apologies for the detailed narrative, but I felt this could be a valuable forum for seeking perspectives. I appreciate your time. It’s important to clarify that I am not prone to hypochondria; prior to these developments, I rarely sought medical care and, oddly enough, didn’t even have a primary care provider when these symptoms began.
Young Plumber with Herniated Discs Seeks Guidance
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 17-year-old plumber who has dedicated the past two years to this trade, beginning when I was just 15. About two years ago, I was involved in a car accident that led to the discovery of three herniated discs: one located in my upper back, while the other two are situated in the mid to lower back region. While it's possible that these injuries stemmed from the accident, I suspect they might not be entirely related. Interestingly, disc problems seem to be common in my family. I'm concerned about my prospects moving forward. What can I expect in terms of health as I age, especially regarding these injuries? Moreover, how can I prevent a situation where I may struggle with mobility in my 50s or 60s? For some time, my pain subsided, but recently, I've started to experience discomfort again in the mid to lower back area, reminiscent of what I felt initially. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!