I know a couple of surgeons refused to operate on pancreatic cancer without PET results when the cancer was shrunk to 1-2 centimeters. Even if there are metastatic sites and the metastasized cells grow, the original cancer would still be removed, we’d have fewer cancer cells overall. What is the reason that doctors don’t do it?
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The reason that doctors don’t operate on pancreatic cancer without PET results is because the PET scan helps them to determine the extent of the cancer and the likelihood of successful treatment. The PET scan also helps to identify any metastatic sites that may be present, which could be missed in a physical exam or imaging. If metastatic sites are present, the surgeon may need to perform additional surgery to remove them, which could increase the risk of complications or even death. Additionally, a PET scan can help the surgeon to determine if the cancer is inoperable, and if so, to recommend alternative treatments.
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