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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
2 different interpretations of CT scan?
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2 different interpretations of CT scan?
by cindystep, Aug 12, 2006 12:00AM
I've been in remmision from stage IV BC (lung mets) for 5 years! In July I became ill with ischemic bowel while in St Louis. Was admitted there and CT was done. According to St Louis University Hospital radiologist he saw a 6x4x7 mm subpleural nodule in right middle lobe anterialy; infiltrate v scarring in right lung apex; a small bulla in right lower lobe. Lymphadenopathy measuring up to 1.1 cm in short axis in left hilum; sclerotic density in vertibral body of T8; small radiodense focus present within the sacrum at S1.
The scan was then read by the radiologist who said the subpleural nodule is old scar tissue, sees no lymphdenopathy and doesn't mention any of the other findings. In other words he sees it as a clean scan, no active cancer.
When I asked how they could be so different I was told by nurse that it's because the CTs took different size slices and St Louis didn't have old scans for comparison. I'm not comfortable with this explaination.
Any feedback appreciated.
Cindy
The scan was then read by the radiologist who said the subpleural nodule is old scar tissue, sees no lymphdenopathy and doesn't mention any of the other findings. In other words he sees it as a clean scan, no active cancer.
When I asked how they could be so different I was told by nurse that it's because the CTs took different size slices and St Louis didn't have old scans for comparison. I'm not comfortable with this explaination.
Any feedback appreciated.
Cindy
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 14, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Cindy: When a scan is done it is analyzed two ways, one is listing all findings and the other is comparing it to previous films. If a new scan is done in isolation and old films are not available, something might be read as a new finding that has been present and is unchanged from previous films. This MAY be one possible explanation for part of the difference. You might want to discuss this further with your oncologist.
Member Comments (1)
by sbird, Apr 26, 2008 11:55PM
A related discussion, accuracy of mammogram and ultrasound was started.
