GI Surgeon wants chest added back to my ct scan

[CRguy]

Yes DE is correct : chest abdomen pelvis is what I've had and they consider required for rectal primaries.

The reason I was adamant is that my lung met was initially missed on a CT after resection BUTT picked up later on a survey xray, as I had opted for CT / abdominal ultrasound + thoracic xrays, offset every 6 months to keep lots of "eyes" on my imaging results.

And yes, sometimes the Canadian system can be a little UNwieldy and protocol heavy
BUTT the good news is there are more eyes looking, as in
" you miss more for NOT looking, than not knowing ! "

Hoping all your results are good !!
Cheers
CR

[DarknessEmbraced]

Thanks CR! I don't understand why the protocol is to take chest off of the scans if the first year ct scans are normal? I get scans once a year. I have to see the doctor filling in for my family doctor to discuss adding chest to my ct scans and getting the prednisone and Benadryl I need for scans so I won't have anaphylaxis when they inject the ct contrast. I talked to the ct department and asked if chest had been added beforehand and they said no. They told me that they would have to know a few days in advance of my scans so the radiologist can approve having chest added. I don't know why the radiologist would have to approve it?

[LeonW]

Obvious: CAP=chest abdomen pelvis. Thanks DE/CR for clarifying.

. . . why the protocol is to take chest off of the scans if the first year ct scans are normal?

I'm on 6-mos scans now (stage IV - approaching 4 yrs since surgery):
- abdomen/pelvis each scan
- chest added every other one (=annual)

[susie0915]

I just noticed that the scan my oncologist ordered for October is only for abdomen and pelvis. I see a pulmonologist for lung scarring and inflammation. I'm being monitored for auto immune disorder. At my yearly scan, she added the chest when I had my cancer scan. That's when the 4mm lung nodule was found, so the pulmonologist ordered a repeat chest scan in 3 months. That showed no change. At my last oncology visit the Dr. ordered a 6 month scan. I assumed it was chest, abdomen, and pelvis. After reading these threads I checked and it's just abdomen and pelvis. I sent her an email to ask if chest should be added due to nodule. After the chest scan in July, my pulmonologist said would repeat chest in 6 months. So I guess we'll see. I guess I assumed chest was always included. Both doctors are at the same hospital so maybe they coordinate.

[JJH]

Will your CT scan cover the neck region? When was the last time you had your thyroid cysts examined by ultrasound?

My CT scans cover neck to pelvis because of my thyroid problem.

[DarknessEmbraced]

My ct doesn't cover the neck area because my endocrinologist told me that I no longer need a biopsy. During the second thyroid ultrasound the technician said the radiologist said it looked like a collection of cysts and not a nodule. I assume that's why I won't need a thyroid biopsy. I see my endocrinologist November 1st which is her first available appointment. I will find out more then.

[SurvivorsSpouse]

My ct doesn't cover the neck area because my endocrinologist told me that I no longer need a biopsy. During the second thyroid ultrasound the technician said the radiologist said it looked like a collection of cysts and not a nodule. I assume that's why I won't need a thyroid biopsy. I see my endocrinologist November 1st which is her first available appointment. I will find out more then.

I have read that thyroid issues can cause elevated CEA because of liver clearance. Another potential solution to the increased CEA.

[DarknessEmbraced]

Thanks SurvivorsSpouse. My hypothyroidism is being well controlled on synthroid but it's a possibility.

[JJH]

...All of my doctors are aware of all of my medications...

It's good that your doctors know about all of your medications, since the doctors would then be able to check if there are any interactions between your medications that might cause liver problems or an elevated CEA.