I just found your blog and have been reading all of your posts because my uncle is going through the same procedure next week. Thank you for the wealth of information!

Patient with low level metabolic activity related to right perihilar lung consolidation and increased density. The area of air space disease and density is increased compared to the prior examination. The SUV Values are approximately 3.1 and these changes are felt to most likely to be secondary to post-treatment changes. Residual disease cannot be excluded. The Air space consolidation is increased, however, and continued follow-up examination is warranted.

The overall pattern is felt to be relatively stable with some imcreased air space density, which does not presently show a significant metabolic uptake to suggest progression of disease. Please correlate.

ADDENDUM:
Compared to the prior studies, there has been progressively increased airspace disease in the left upper lobe, as well as superior segment of the left lower lobe. Additional increased airspace disease is also noted along the mediasinal order on the right side. There has been progressively decreased activity in the right hilum Also previously seen significant activity in the left pulmonary nodule in the upper lobe on the original study is not appreciated on the current examination. Findings are most likely related to postradiation. No new foci of abnormal activity are noed on PET images. Continued followup is recommended.

The report also states: On today’s examination there is no significant abnormal metabolic activity identified in the neck, supraclavicular fossa, or axilla. Dense atherosclerotic calcification in the thoracic aorta is noted. There is consolidation identified involving the region of the left upper lobe and superior segment of the left lower lobe with heterogeneous air space density. These areas have low-level metabolic activity activity. SUV values of approximately 3-9. These air apace densities could be post obstructive inflammation. A discrete parenchymal mass is not seen. There is consolidation present with low level metabolic acivity.

Our treating Oncologist does not under stand the results and keeps saying she doesn’t understand the report.

Can you inform us what the increased airspace and density relates to. Also metabolic activity. Is the SUV values based on a scale of 2.5 as the low and 18 as the high? Then is 3.1 almost no cancer at at all? Not sure if the increased air space and density relates to COPD and emphysemia.

Thank you for your help! Janet