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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A PET Scan Recommended When Diagnosed With Carcinoma?

Merkel Cell Carcinoma: my husband has been undergone chemo/radiation and now Keytruda (4x) since Jan 2015 for his MCC. He had his armpit lymph nodes removed in 2016, but the lumps continue to multiply on his upper chest area (about 8 lumps), and some smaller ones are now forming on his stomach/back/upper arms. The Dr. told him last week that there is nothing more they can do for him . Question: they now want him to get a Pet Scan, presumably to see if the cancer has spread internally. Is this necessary?; what is the purpose if there is no recourse?? He is 80, and we know things aren t good; it would only cause more stress for him to hear more bad news and/or life timeline.
Mon, 30 Apr 2018
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Yes, PET-CT helps to detect any metastatic lumps in the body, but at this age, even presence of extensive metastasis will be helpless.

Your doctor was correct, nothing we can do for him, but to reduce the pain by palliative care. My suggestion is, please consult the palliative care consultant for his pain relief.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Siddartha
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Is A PET Scan Recommended When Diagnosed With Carcinoma?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Yes, PET-CT helps to detect any metastatic lumps in the body, but at this age, even presence of extensive metastasis will be helpless. Your doctor was correct, nothing we can do for him, but to reduce the pain by palliative care. My suggestion is, please consult the palliative care consultant for his pain relief. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Siddartha