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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
CAT Scan vs. MRI
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
CAT Scan vs. MRI
by Concerned with Symptoms, Apr 23, 2003 12:00AM
Hi,
This question pertains to my mother.
She is 55 years old and was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in January 2003. Since then, the following has occurred:
- the tumor has been removed from the sigmoid colon via resection surgery.
- 20 lymph nodes were examined and 4 tested positive. Therefore, the stage of her cancer was assessed as Stage III.
- She began chemotherapy during April 2003 with 5Fv via injection.
- She had a complete blood work done in April 2003 and all of her blood works were considered normal. Her CEA was at 1.1
My question pertains to the following:
- A CAT scan was performed in April 2003 before the chemotherapy. The doctor told us everything was normal and clear. However, soon after, he said that the CAT scan indicated an unidentified object on the colon where the surgery was performed. He ordered an MRI to further evaluate what this was. He mentioned that it was unlikely that this is a cancer reccurence and possibly could be a stool. He asssured us not to worry and mentioned that they were simply exercising caution.
Do you know what the doctors are looking for by ordering an MRI?
In addition, do you think it could be a recurrence of cancer on the colon so soon after surgery even though all of the blood works and CEA are normal?
Thank you
This question pertains to my mother.
She is 55 years old and was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in January 2003. Since then, the following has occurred:
- the tumor has been removed from the sigmoid colon via resection surgery.
- 20 lymph nodes were examined and 4 tested positive. Therefore, the stage of her cancer was assessed as Stage III.
- She began chemotherapy during April 2003 with 5Fv via injection.
- She had a complete blood work done in April 2003 and all of her blood works were considered normal. Her CEA was at 1.1
My question pertains to the following:
- A CAT scan was performed in April 2003 before the chemotherapy. The doctor told us everything was normal and clear. However, soon after, he said that the CAT scan indicated an unidentified object on the colon where the surgery was performed. He ordered an MRI to further evaluate what this was. He mentioned that it was unlikely that this is a cancer reccurence and possibly could be a stool. He asssured us not to worry and mentioned that they were simply exercising caution.
Do you know what the doctors are looking for by ordering an MRI?
In addition, do you think it could be a recurrence of cancer on the colon so soon after surgery even though all of the blood works and CEA are normal?
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 23, 2003 12:00AM
, Apr 23, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
CAT scans use X-rays to scan the body whereas MRI uses a high magnetic field and radio waves. MRI has better intrinsic contrast compared to CT - the object that is in question may show differently on an MRI. The radiologist would then have a better idea as to whether this is a mass or something else.
The estimated sensitivity of the CEA to detect recurrent colon cancer is approximately 70%. Thus, a normal CEA test cannot be a definitive test to detect recurrence of colorectal cancer. It has to be used in conjunction with imaging studies and endoscopy.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
CAT scans use X-rays to scan the body whereas MRI uses a high magnetic field and radio waves. MRI has better intrinsic contrast compared to CT - the object that is in question may show differently on an MRI. The radiologist would then have a better idea as to whether this is a mass or something else.
The estimated sensitivity of the CEA to detect recurrent colon cancer is approximately 70%. Thus, a normal CEA test cannot be a definitive test to detect recurrence of colorectal cancer. It has to be used in conjunction with imaging studies and endoscopy.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
