Question 1

can you have symptomatic colon cancer for five years without showing on ct scans (oral no iv contrast)? have had five ct in past 5 years

Accepted Answer

Colon CA CT on show?: 41 F Asks: Can you have symptomatic colon cancer for five years without showing on ct scans (oral no iv contrast)? Have had five ct in past 5 years. ANS: CT not so good for colon cancer detection. What are symptoms for 5 years?  This would be unusual as colon CA usually does not cause symptoms other than bleeding or obstruction. Unless it is also in liver now. That should show up on CT eventually.

Question 2

are ct scans with oral contrast useless for see colon cancer. my doc has ordered multiple over last 3 years, all clean, but hearing they are useless??

Accepted Answer

Ct: They are helpful but you need to have a colonosopy if there there is a concern

Question 3

a recent non-contrast ct of the abdomen/pelvis said, "there is likely some retained oral contrast in the colon." i never had contrast. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Oral contrast: Most ct scans of the abdomen and pelvis are done with both IV and oral contrast. If you had oral contrast then that's what it likely is.

Question 4

ct with oral,iv&rectal contrast.all normal.severe ovulation & left colon pain with thin stool.wbc25,neutroph88.aft12day antibio wbc13& normal neutro??

Accepted Answer

Infection: You had infection somewhere, if the CT scan of the abdomen revealed normal colon anatomy, the source of infection could be from another site, may be pelvic inflammation, urinary tract and so on. Seem like responded to antibiotic. If symptoms cleared, probably watchful monitoring is acceptable.

Question 5

is it possible to have a ct scan without contrast to see colon diverticula?

Accepted Answer

Contrast CT for dx: CT with intravenous and oral contrast administration alone is reported to be 93% sensitive and 100% specificin dx  of acute diverticulitis
CT with colonic contrast introduced retrograde without oral or intravenous contrast has produced sensitivities between 93% and 97% with 100% specificity.Complications are present in up to 30% of cases of diverticulitis and usually necessitate rad. or surg.proc.

Question 6

can ct scan clearly pin point the location of colon perforation and determine the size of the hole, using color contrast drink?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis: Is well demonstrated on ct though the actual hole, or perforation, is uncommonly seen. If contrast leaks out of the colon into a abscess the perforation itself may be sometimes be identified.

Question 7

can a ct on abdomen with contrast show colon cancer if there are present symtoms?

Accepted Answer

It can, if it is: Large enough, but not necessarily.  The best test is colonoscopy.  At your age, colon cancer is rare, unless you have ulcerative colitis or positive family history.

Question 8

diagnosed with a "tortuous colon" via oral barium ct scan & colonoscopy; have very distended abbdomen, pain, etc. what to do?

Accepted Answer

Speak with GI: "tortuous colon" is not a disease. It is a description of your anatomy. 

If you have a distended abdomen and pain, it may be completely unrelated. You should speak with your gastroenterologist about this.

Question 9

will  an mri with contrast be able to detect endometriosis? mystery inflammation near upper colon was not diagnosed with ct scan.

Accepted Answer

No: Unfortunately endometriosis cannot be detected with an MRI or ct scan. If your symptoms are suspicious for endometriosis, you should discuss a laparoscopy with your doctor.

Question 10

i have 6cm area of colon identified as possible mass on ct w contrast, and innumerable low density liver lesions. is it possible the lesions are mets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is.: If you have colon cancer and spots in your liver, those spots are most likely due to metastatic disease. Benign liver cysts are common and can cause spots in your liver, but the radiologists can usually tell the difference. You are very young to have metastatic colon cancer, but it is possible. You may need a biopsy of the liver lesions to determine what they are. Best of luck to you.

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Doctor answers about:

CT colon oral contrast

A member asked:

Can you have symptomatic colon cancer for five years without showing on ct scans (oral no iv contrast)? have had five ct in past 5 years

A member asked:

Are ct scans with oral contrast useless for see colon cancer. my doc has ordered multiple over last 3 years, all clean, but hearing they are useless??

A member asked:

A recent non-contrast ct of the abdomen/pelvis said, "there is likely some retained oral contrast in the colon." i never had contrast. what is it?

A member asked:

Ct with oral,iv&rectal contrast.all normal.severe ovulation & left colon pain with thin stool.wbc25,neutroph88.aft12day antibio wbc13& normal neutro??

A member asked:

Is it possible to have a ct scan without contrast to see colon diverticula?

A member asked:

Can ct scan clearly pin point the location of colon perforation and determine the size of the hole, using color contrast drink?

A member asked:

Can a ct on abdomen with contrast show colon cancer if there are present symtoms?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with a "tortuous colon" via oral barium ct scan & colonoscopy; have very distended abbdomen, pain, etc. what to do?

A member asked:

Will an mri with contrast be able to detect endometriosis? mystery inflammation near upper colon was not diagnosed with ct scan.

A member asked:

I have 6cm area of colon identified as possible mass on ct w contrast, and innumerable low density liver lesions. is it possible the lesions are mets?

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