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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
CT Imaging
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
CT Imaging
by scoutshadow, Nov 02, 2006 12:00AM
I had my first post operative CT scan three weeks ago. It showed a loop of bowel around the bladder and a 1.2cm nodule behind the bladder low down. It reported that this was no different from the last CT scan done before the operation.
My operation was in July. Orginally scheduled for a full TAH with ovary removal. However the tumour was pedunculated coming from an old scar site and was resting on the bladder. The bladder was opened up and checked for invasion and thankfully all was fine. It was a recurrance of a granulosa cell tumour.
So, I had a gyn/onc and a consultant urologist operate. Two highly skilled and trained professionals I would trust with my life. I believe they gave me the best they could and I felt really well after the operation.
Both scans were done very soon after I had finished taking the liquid (which took an hour to drink). Is this the right way to do it? I just wonder is the bowel loop being mistaken now for the scar on the bladder? And would the nodule be something else entirely, like a shadow?
I have been told not to worry about the results and I'm getting another CT scan in January, but this was from another gyn/onc whom I'd never met before.
The recurrance was visualised five years ago on a dating scan when pregnant with my 3rd child and seen as a pedunculated 'fibroid'. I'm keen to keep on top of this and I'm just anxious about having a recurrance on the bladder. It was felt not necessary to have any chemo. Do you think I should write a letter to the surgeon who operated and articulate my fears?
Many thanks.
My operation was in July. Orginally scheduled for a full TAH with ovary removal. However the tumour was pedunculated coming from an old scar site and was resting on the bladder. The bladder was opened up and checked for invasion and thankfully all was fine. It was a recurrance of a granulosa cell tumour.
So, I had a gyn/onc and a consultant urologist operate. Two highly skilled and trained professionals I would trust with my life. I believe they gave me the best they could and I felt really well after the operation.
Both scans were done very soon after I had finished taking the liquid (which took an hour to drink). Is this the right way to do it? I just wonder is the bowel loop being mistaken now for the scar on the bladder? And would the nodule be something else entirely, like a shadow?
I have been told not to worry about the results and I'm getting another CT scan in January, but this was from another gyn/onc whom I'd never met before.
The recurrance was visualised five years ago on a dating scan when pregnant with my 3rd child and seen as a pedunculated 'fibroid'. I'm keen to keep on top of this and I'm just anxious about having a recurrance on the bladder. It was felt not necessary to have any chemo. Do you think I should write a letter to the surgeon who operated and articulate my fears?
Many thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Nov 05, 2006 12:00AM
, Nov 05, 2006 12:00AM
Hi There,
I understand your concerns. You are absolutely right. A loop of bowel can sometimes be mistaken as a mass or nodule. Given the location of the finding on Ct scan, if there is anything there, it should be easy to feel it on pelvic examination. You should ask your doctor to do a pelvic examination and ask whether the doc can feel the area in question on scan.
Yes, having your scan right after drinking the fluid is fine. The hour it took you to drink to get the oral contrast gets it down through the bowels very nicely.
If you have concerns, it makes sense to see or write to the surgeon. You could ask to send a copy of your Ct scan to the surgeon and ask for a second opinion.
You are right to be your own advocate. Of course your doctors are good and are doing the best for you. But you know yourself the best. I know that I really appreciate feedback from my patients. I find it really helpful when one of my patients asks me to rethink a scan or situation. Every now and then we pick up something new that was missed the first time around.
take care
I understand your concerns. You are absolutely right. A loop of bowel can sometimes be mistaken as a mass or nodule. Given the location of the finding on Ct scan, if there is anything there, it should be easy to feel it on pelvic examination. You should ask your doctor to do a pelvic examination and ask whether the doc can feel the area in question on scan.
Yes, having your scan right after drinking the fluid is fine. The hour it took you to drink to get the oral contrast gets it down through the bowels very nicely.
If you have concerns, it makes sense to see or write to the surgeon. You could ask to send a copy of your Ct scan to the surgeon and ask for a second opinion.
You are right to be your own advocate. Of course your doctors are good and are doing the best for you. But you know yourself the best. I know that I really appreciate feedback from my patients. I find it really helpful when one of my patients asks me to rethink a scan or situation. Every now and then we pick up something new that was missed the first time around.
take care
Member Comments (2)
by scoutshadow, Nov 02, 2006 12:00AM
What I also want to add is that although I want to be vigilant I also want to get well and better, and believe that trust in the medical team is vital. I really don't want to be hopping and jumping over every little bump and lump.
