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The SUV (standardized uptake values) that you are referring to is actually a complicated formula that is dependent on numerous factors: your biology, what the other variables in the formula were, and also is institution-specific (as many lab tests are). Typically, the SUV is one measure that helps doctors distinguish between a benign and malignant lesion, with a value of over 2.5 being malignant. Again, this is not always the case, as the formula is based on comparisons of other tissue within your specific body.

If this is NOT what your doctor suggested, PLEASE listen to your doctor, as I can only offer information based on a compilation of medical literature, based on research conducted on groups including "general population" to "one specific patient", and obviously these vastly different groups may not be comparable to your particular situation.

What did your doctor tell you about your results? What are your next steps?

To answer your question about what can cause this (anything from a lesions, inflammation and/or infection)...the answer is: almost anything. We know that smoking can cause oropharyngeal cancers, and it would make sense that inhaling a great amount of smoke could have triggered cell damage (which can lead to a lesion or infection). Other causes can be bacterial or viral, and still other causes can be environmental, lifestyle, genetics...the list goes on for "possible" causes.

Do you have any other signs of symptoms? What precluded your PET scan (why did your doctor order this test?)

Please let us know how you are doing, and what other questions you have.

June 28, 2009 - 8:28pm

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