Contrasted or non-contrasted CT scan?

[Thuney]

When you refer to CT scans here, do you mean contrasted (with dye) on non-contrasted (without)?

Is a non-contrasted CT scan enough?  Can you trust its results?  Or do you need to do the dye?

[xrayu2]

Yes, you need the contrast.  The drink that you have to drink shows only intestinal structures(stomach, esophagus, and bowel).  The IV contrast highlights anything that has blood flow(liver, vessels, heart, etc.)  If you have a mass with its own blood supply then that is important to know.  It helps identify vessels versus enlarged lymph nodes.  It goes in quick and and the actual placement of the IV takes longer.  I do CT and I start the IVs.  It truly is important.  Good luck.

[fontbonne]

do you think that the ct done with and without contrast is a highly reliable tool in detecting if you have any growths that could be associated with ovarian cancer?

[newlifegal]

Speaking from my own experience, the CT scan probably saved my life.  My original transvaginal ultrasound was incorrectly read.  By the time the CT scan was done, my disease had very agressively spread.  I am very thankful that I had this study done; if not I may not be here today to talk about it!

[xrayu2]

Yes-it is reliable for any type cancer for that matter.  PET  scanning in addition to CT is most reliable because PET picks up the smallest area of cancer spread or residual cancer.

[LitDoc]

In addition to the CT with and without dye, I also had a bone scan, with and without contrast. In addition, they also did a scan of my lymph nodes.

[suzsen]

CT with contrast is a good test, but it's not the best at seeing soft tissue.  My drs told me MRI is good for soft tissue, but Transvaginal ultrasound is best for seeing ovarian cysts.