I didn't have a PET scan, but I did and am still having all kinds of tests to rule out cancer as cancer can be a trigger for PE. This is especially since the clots appear to have formed directly in the lungs.

Best of luck.

Thanks, Danielle. I've got to do some research on this. I guess right now, though, I'd better just take it one day at a time and not worry to much about what "might" be. I have you have a great Thanksgiving!

Try not to worry yourself too much. Testing for cancer is routine. I'm 23 and they still ran scans with me. The CT scan ruled out lung cancer but they insisted on an abdominal scan. I was terrified when they said they had to test for it, but feel quite silly looking back. I hope everything goes well and you get your scan sooner than later so you can lay your mind to rest :)

Hope your Thanksgiving went well. I had my PE in January of 2011. No cause was determined then or now. I had multiple tests for cancer since then but everyone seems to feel I am cancer free. I think there is something like a 2 year window where if you have a idiopathic PE that was caused by an underlying cancer that it makes itself known. Worried the first time now just feeling great and happy to be here and doing well. Yes get checked but no sense worrying about what might be. Be well.

No, this was not mentioned to me, they just assume it was due to DVT as result of BCP. However, I have read that cancer can cause blood clots and I have to say it is something I worry that I may have. I think this is probably a natural reaction. I haven't felt overly well for a few years to be honest. It may just be I need to lose a couple of stones in weight so am trying. I will have my clotting blood tests next week and if all clear I will try to get better health. I hope you get the all clear. I would like to have tests to rule out cancer but the NHS don't seem to want to pay for anything unless they have to.

It's not always standard to check PE/DVT suffers for cancer. I think it depends on your doctor, you specific clotting situation, etc.

I was told that they were testing me to rule out cancer as I have no known cause for my PE. However, I feel fine, other than the SOB and occasional pain and am not overly worried about it. I'm focussing on recovering rather than worrying.

When I was hospitalized for a DVT which resulted in the finding of a PE with no known cause, they focused on ruling out cancer starting with my ER visit and continuing through my hospital stay. I was a bit late with my pelvic exam/pap smear, so they did a scan while I was hospitalized to rule cancer out. It wasn't until months later that I learned that PEs can be associated with ovarian cancer which is rarely detected until it's quite advanced. I was advised to get a mammogram and colonoscopy as soon as I could after my hospital release. No one mentioned a PET scan.

Thanks so much for your input.....I will be glad to get the tests overwith and get on with my life. You all encourage me so much when I read your posts and remember that all of you have gone through this with courage and so can I!