There is a tumor in my 5-yr old niece's abdomen. Is petscan useful to diagnose her before operation?

Question

One ecography's interpretation stated the tumor was at the ovarium, another suggested it was at the peripheria. She is to have surgical intervention this Wednesday, do you know if petscan or another method could be used instead? She is at Colombia, any info about medical facilities that have this equipment over there would be good too.

Answer 1

Petscan...or catscan? I can see where the confusion might arise.
If 2 doctors advise a scan then she really does need it. An x ray can show a tumour but the scan can give a lot more detail and place the tumour exactly;

Answer 2

Your radiologist (Xray doctor) said that the tumor was in your niece's overies, and another radiologist suggested it was at the periphery of the ovaries. It sounds like you got a second opinion?

They both suggested a cat scan, it is not a petscan.

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They really need that catscan or an MRI to make a firm diagnosis. It is essential to get this done. Based on the result, you might not need immediate surgery for your niece.
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about 4 out of 5 ovarian tumors in girls less than 8 years old are benign (not a cancer).--
From one fifth to one half of so called tumors of the ovaries are not really tumors but cysts. Unlike tumors, cysts - typically sacs containing liquid or semisolid material - are also usually benign It is normal for newborn baby girls to have cysts on their ovaries, which may be seen on prenatal ultrasounds. These cysts may be as large as 2 inches in size after birth and still go away on their own without causing problems.

Tumors and cysts can appear on one or both ovaries, singly or in clusters.