Question 1

i recently had an iv contrast ct and the report noted liver diffusely homogenous. also noted minimal fatty infiltration liver. is this something that requires further testing to rule out cancer etc?

Accepted Answer

: The liver has a homogenous texture normally, so that part of the CT read is reassuring. The fatty infiltration of the liver, though mild, should inform you about your diet or your BMI. Consider cutting down on soft drinks, carb-rich or fatty foods if you tend to consume too much of these items. You may have had pre-scan bloodwork that checked liver function. Was anything abnormal there?

Question 2

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 3

if pancreatic cancer in body or tail is causing symptoms, would it show up on a iv contrast ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes it would: CT scan of the abdomen is a reliable to test to check for Cancer of the Pancreas. So you do not have to think too much about this as a source of your symptoms. Go see a Gastroenterologist if symptoms persist for more than a week or two.

Question 4

i have not had a bowl movement for over a week and a half only ribbon like stools. no appite but im still eating 3 times a day. i have lost 15lb so dr did a ct with iv contrast, they said everything looks good no mass. would the ct show colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Without colon preparation, CT scan may not detect colon carcinoma.
Talk to your doctor about the need for a colonoscopy.
You may take a fiber laxative like Metamucil and drink enough water daily so that your urine is colorless. For the long term  increase your intake of fiber foods. 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948

Question 5

luq pain, yellow soft stools, liver labs normal, low lipase, oral&iv contrast ct negative. 35/f, no alcohol, former smoker. is this pancreas cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not pancreas cancer: These symptoms are not typical of pancreas cancer, it is rare among people 35 years old, and (if present) would be detectable by abdominal CT scan.

Question 6

does a chest/abdomon ct scan with oral and intravenous contrast reveal oesophageal ulcer, structure, cancer, etc??

Accepted Answer

CT: CT can reveal ulcers, but actually not the ideal modality for looking at GI mucosa of GI tract.  Endoscopy best for this.

Question 7

how can contrast make cancer stand out on a ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Blood supply: Cancers can either have more or less blood supply than the organs they are in. Without contrast the cancer and organ usually look similar in brightness. But when contrast is given the relative brightness level can become dramatically different based on the difference in blood supply and as a result the tumor is much easier to identify.

Question 8

can you tell me how contrast make cancer stand out in a ct scan ?

Accepted Answer

Vascularity: The contrast makes blood vessels whiter to stand out. Most tumors are hypervascular, they have more blood vessels. This makes them easier to see with contrast. Some tumors are not hypervascular and can be seen because they are less white than the surrounding tissues. Otherwise an MRI may be required to see the tumor.

Question 9

what are the chances of getting cancer from a ct scan with and without contrast in your early 20's if you are female?

Accepted Answer

Negligible: The risk is theoretical and is too small to measure. You get plenty of radiation from cosmic rays; you don't see the scaremongers lining their homes with lead to keep them out.  If you need a ct scan, don't forego it.

Question 10

does having contrast with a ct mean more radiation? i'm so scared of cancer from the radiation i received now :( i was only 21

Accepted Answer

Worrying does not: Help. Ct scans do expose a person to radiation but also provide useful information and on balance are useful tests. There is no need to be scared as that will not change anything anyway.

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Doctor answers about:

Ct without iv contrast cancer

A member asked:

I recently had an iv contrast ct and the report noted liver diffusely homogenous. also noted minimal fatty infiltration liver. is this something that requires further testing to rule out cancer etc?

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:

If pancreatic cancer in body or tail is causing symptoms, would it show up on a iv contrast ct scan?

A member asked:

I have not had a bowl movement for over a week and a half only ribbon like stools. no appite but im still eating 3 times a day. i have lost 15lb so dr did a ct with iv contrast, they said everything looks good no mass. would the ct show colon cancer?

A member asked:

Luq pain, yellow soft stools, liver labs normal, low lipase, oral&iv contrast ct negative. 35/f, no alcohol, former smoker. is this pancreas cancer?

A member asked:

Does a chest/abdomon ct scan with oral and intravenous contrast reveal oesophageal ulcer, structure, cancer, etc??

A member asked:

How can contrast make cancer stand out on a ct scan?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how contrast make cancer stand out in a ct scan ?

A member asked:

What are the chances of getting cancer from a ct scan with and without contrast in your early 20's if you are female?

A member asked:

Does having contrast with a ct mean more radiation? i'm so scared of cancer from the radiation i received now :( i was only 21

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