Well it certainly can, but I suspect it would not be as sensitive as
microscopic examination.  I can imagine that if the tumour was small,
low grade and well contained, and a PET scan showed the lymph nodes
clear, then the surgeon might feel that lymph node biopsy was not
justified.  I don't think PET alone would be sufficient though, it would
be a decision based on multiple factors.

On the other hand, if the PET scan showed invasion of the lymph nodes,
then there would be no point in doing the sentinel node procedure, as a
full dissection would be called for anyway.

Tim Jackson

My bc specialist ordered one before my MRM so he could check the node
status. That's what he told us when we saw him a few days before my
surgery.
After my surgery [11/20/04] when we met with him for a follow up appt.
He told us "the only area of uptake was in the breast, and that's gone
now.."
I did go on to do 6 months of chemo. I did 4 rounds of AC and 4 rounds
of Taxotere.
I've had bone scans and pet scans [abnormal blood levels] since and
everything is still NED for me.
I had _great_ peace of mind having had the Pet Scan. My onco does yearly
scans here. [northwest ohio] and that's fine with me..as I'm a big
whoozie...Actually, in my own defense this is the way they/he do/does
things here. This is a very well known cancer treatment center here in
Northwest Ohio.
take care there/God bless
annie

Ultimately.....we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a
freedom.

"Courage"...is *fear* that has said it's prayers.