Results of CAT SCAN

[cindcoo]

I am a 54 yr old female I recently experience pain in my abdomin (abdomen) and lower back the pain last almost a week before consulting a doctor.  I do have a history of diverticulotis so a CAT scan was order with contrast along with blood work.

Mu blood work all came back fine but the CAT scan reveled the following.

Within the mesentry, mildly prominent lymph nodes are present.  THe largest measures 0.8x1.4 cm.

There are small hypodense hepatic lesions none greater than 1cm in diameter.  These do not clearly represent simple cysts measuting above fluid level.  

There is no splenomegaly. No retroperitoneal adenopathy.  THe remaining organs are all normal.

Impression:  There is no acute abnormality.

Mild mesenteric adenopathy and nonspecific hypodense noncystic spenic masses.  While not clearly diadnostic, the possiblity of a lymphoproliferative process must be raised.  Please correlate with approariate labrotory values.  Consider follow-up in 3-6 months.

Can you please explain this to me and tell me what you would recommend I certainly do not feel comfortably waiting if what this is telling me is that I have cancer.  Please provide me with more information and suggestions on what to do next.

Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There is evidence of mildly enlarged lymph nodes.  There can be many causes for this - including infection or cancer.  Most cases can resolve with time - hence the recommendation for a repeat CT scan in 3-6 months.  

I would consider obtaining a blood count, blood smear, or possible bone marrow biopsy (all which can evaluate for a lymphproliferative disorder) and ensuring that all age-appropriate cancer screening is up to date (i.e. colon, breast, cervical cancer).

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Kalio1]

Maybe this will ease your fears. When lay people try to interpret the written info on scans and other tests they can scare themselves, you know what they say about "a little knowledge" being a dangerous thing.
I'd follow up with your doctor and try not to worry about it too much in the meantime.

http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content/abstract/158/3/535