MRI vs Ultrasound vs Cat Scan

[jmjm530]

As a stage 3, my first doctor recommended alternating MRI's, Cat Scans and Ultrasounds -- one every six months -- for life in order to monitor my liver. A second doctor was concerned about the radiation Cat Scans produce, and since I'll hopefully be doing these for a long, long time, he suggested only alternating MRI's and Ultrasounds. No x-rays are used in an MRI.

Wondering what everyone else has been told and is doing?
Also, if you know, did you have your mri with and without contrast and the same question for the MRI. I believe when the inject the dye in your arm, that means "with contrast". Not 100% sure here.

In case you get the two mixed up, as I always do -- the MRI is the one where you stay in this long claustraphobic tube for 20-30 minutes while hearing very loud clanging sounds requiring either ear mufflers or ear plugs. A good way to remember which one uses X-rays and which doesn't is that MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Scanning. In other words, it uses magnets not x-rays.

-- Jim

[can-do-man]

Hope you don't use a microwave. :)

[jmjm530]

If you're a stage 3, I'd re-evaluate your doctor's advice. My understanding is that ultrasounds and MRI's are standard protocol for monitoring those with significant liver damage but maybe I'm wrong here.

[FlGuy]

Last week my doc rx'd both an ultrasound and a CT scan (with contrast). From what he said, he was looking for different things, fluids with the u/s, and any masses/tumors with the CT. BTW, that contrast stuff feels pretty icky going in. We're not yet at the point of a forward-looking maintenance regimine.  However, your question is already on my running list of questions that I will ask when the right time comes. That list seem to be getting longer.

[jmjm530]

cdm says: Hope you don't use a microwave. :)
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Well, I'll tell you one thing. If I'm going to put a piece of liver in the microwave, it certainly won't be mine. But not to worry, CDM, if you keep it up you may be good for a night light one day. LOL.

[jmjm530]

On more serious note, the first doctor said the reason he alternated all three was because each tended to be best for looking at different things. I see my doctor today and if he has a good case for me to have a Cat Scan, I'll listen. But I still think the long-term advice of minimizing cat scans is sound if the doctor is not necessarily looking for something specific and is in a long-term monitoring mode.

[Mister beagle bailey]

I'm a stage 0 Grade 1, and I will do the ultrasound then 6 months later the bx; then 6 months later another ultrasound, etc.  I would rotate back and forth between the 2 tests, for awhile any way.  After awhile I would think having just 1 test a year would be fine.

BEAGLE