My oncologist usually goes for the CT with contrast but at my bequest did PETs before and after chemo. It gave me great peace of mind since everything I read indicates it is the best measure of active cancer in the body. But it does involve a greater degree of radiation exposure to the body. I have had 2 PETs, one cardiolite dye/CT heart scan, a upper GI series, a barium swallow xray to check out to see if my lungs were absorbing fluid, 2 panaramic dental xrays, scads of bitewings, 4 or 5 CTs with contrast, and several xrays of my stomach....all between Feb. 08 and presently. That is alot of rads on this body. I now have to have another Ct with contrast so I asked my oncologist what about an MRI instead. She said it would mean I was in there a long time and the Ct is like one cross country flight as far as radiation exposure. Are any of you concerned about this and if so, what do your doctors say about MRI vs CT diagnositically?
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
CT vs MRI vs PET and how often
- By momanderson920
- Posted June 27, 2009 at 12:08 pm · 6 replies
- In Recurrence
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
6 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By CATSMEOW
- Posted June 27, 2009 at 1:13 pm
- Report post
Hi, my dr wanted to do a ct scan after surgery and I said I dont want anymore radiation at this time.I had a pet/ct 2 months prior to my surgery and it was of course in my case sub-optimal uptake, which means it was a waste of time and more radiation for nothing.They did see the tumor that was removed, yet the smaller stuff should have shown up, but didnt.So, I refused a ct and he said to get MRI.He did state it was a longer process(I didnt care)and your in the tube.So, he agreed to the MRI, but as of yet have not had.He wouldnt have suggested it if is was not a good diagnostic tool.I have had 4 chest xrays 8ct scans(with barium) a pet/ct and mammogram, plus a ct of head only in 1 year.How much more radiation could my body take?Thats why I insisted on no more ct scans for a least 6 more months.The dr. seemed to have agreed when I told him of all the tests.Keep Positive.
- By strega
- Posted June 27, 2009 at 5:41 pm
- Report post
My oncologist and other doctors have told me that the MRI is good for diagnosis of bone and skeltel disease but not effective for soft tissue or abdominal disease. So I have always had cat scans for my ovarian cancer
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted June 27, 2009 at 6:50 pm
- Report post
My doctor has never mentioned an MRI in all these years. I get CT scans. Had 1 PET when he needed to clarify something from the CT.
My doctor is relatively conservative in ordering scans. I once asked why some people seem to get a lot of them and he said it's usually not necessary to get them routinely and he doesn't want me to be exposed to all that radiation unless there is something going on. He said he can monitor me with my regular checkups, CA125, how I feel and what I tell him, with the occasional CT scan as needed. I usually get them when a recurrence is detected and after treatment ends, and sometimes in between if we're using a new chemo and he has to decide how many more treatments or if it's working well. He's taken very good care of me for 8 1/2 years.
Each person is different and you have to do what is right for you. Hope you get the answer that makes you the most comfortable.
- By youngmom
- Posted June 28, 2009 at 10:54 am
- Report post
I was/am very concerned about all of the radiation from CT Scans (a single scan gives off 1000 times the radiationn of a single x-ray) and after compelting treatment discussed it with both my gyn. oncologist and med oncologist. Fortunately, they are both conservative about ordering scans and understand my concerns. I got a CT-scan last August and will not get another CT scan until this August. They told me if I have a rising CA-125, symptoms, ot something suspicious with one of my exams, they will want to order another scan prior to my annual one. We also discussed MRIs, and my gyn oncologist told me he prefers to look at the CT scan, however if I ever get to the point where they have to monitor me more closely/often with scans, he will use MRIs.
- By momanderson920
- Posted June 29, 2009 at 11:26 pm
- Report post
I had my Ct scan today but have made up my mind that from here on out, they will have to do MRIs on me. No more radiation...I have had alot!
- By CATSMEOW
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 6:04 am
- Report post
What did your dr.say when you told him that?Mine just nodded his head and said ok.Let us know as soon as the results come in.I will be thinking of you and hoping for a good report.Keep Positive.
Add to the discussion