How should you approach a spot on your pelvis/hip that the radiologist thinks is inflammation after your PET scan showed remission?
It's encouraging that your PET scan showed remission overall. When a spot appears where your tumor was previously located, it can be concerning, but inflammation is a common finding in these Show Full Answer
How should you approach a spot on your pelvis/hip that the radiologist thinks is inflammation after your PET scan showed remission?
It's encouraging that your PET scan showed remission overall. When a spot appears where your tumor was previously located, it can be concerning, but inflammation is a common finding in these areas after treatment.
PET scans detect areas of high glucose consumption, which can occur both in cancer cells and in inflamed tissue. This is why your radiologist may suspect inflammation rather than active lymphoma.
Your doctor will likely want to monitor this area closely. They may:
- Repeat imaging scans after a few months to see if the spot changes
- Consider additional tests to confirm whether it's inflammation or residual disease
- Discuss radiation therapy if there's concern about remaining cancer cells
The decision about radiation will depend on several factors, including your specific type of lymphoma, treatment history, and whether follow-up scans show any changes in that area.
It's important to have an open conversation with your oncologist about the next steps and whether watchful waiting or additional treatment makes the most sense for your situation.
November 23, 2025
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