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

[mikesimon]

I don't recall whether the "fatty liver" suggested diagnosis was ever verified but if you clear and do not have a fatty liver I wouldn't be testing that often if your blood looks good. I don't test yearly or even every 2 years - I think it will be every 3 to 5 years and I'll get an ultra sound and contrast CT scan or at least I will be offered the opportunity for the tests. Whether I'll get them depends on my blood work and my overall health. I like to stay away from doctors and tests as much as I can and still be prudent about me health. Mike

[can-do-man]

you may be good for a night light one day.
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You REALLY think i could shine even that BRIGHT? Come on

[FlGuy]

'I like to stay away from doctors and tests as much as I can and still be prudent about me health'  Amen!

[jmjm530]

Good point about the fatty liver thing, I almost forgot! I will ask my doctor if he thinks fatty liver is a possiblity -- GGT as of yesterday is double what it used to be but now normal at 40. If my doctor thinks it might be, I'll ask him which is better -- cat scan, mri or ultrasound -- in terms of getting a bead on it.

I'm a bit surprised about your schedule but perhaps there's different protocols for transplant patients. Is there any downside you're aware of with ultrasounds or MRI's other than the stress of too much information, too often?

Thanks.

-- Jim

[cuteus]

I was/am a stage one and my dr told me I needed regular ultrasounds and testing for a long time if not the rest of my life. It seems that is not just the level of damage, but our bout with a virus that predisposes us to HCC.

[GoofyDad]

What good would CDM be as a nightlight during the day? Stick with the day job CDM.

I've heard they're microwaving blood now as an alternate therapy for HCV.

My doc does the Ultrsound evry 6 mos, mostly looking for lesions, I think. He says we could possibly stop after a couple years, but he would want a needle biopsy to prove sufficient regression first.

I think he likes the CT scan, but doesn't like to spend the money, even if it is reimbursed by Ins. He's concientious that way.