Question 1

what's the difference between ultrasound and ct scan? can someone explain the difference between an ultrasound and a ct scan? i'm going to have both done on my abdomen because of pain and discomfort that i've been experiencing.

Accepted Answer

An : An ultrasound examination uses sound waves to generate an image of the anatomy being viewed. Ultrasound is excellent at evaluating the gallbladder and bile ducts. An ultrasound is the best way to detect gallstones which is a fairly common cause of abdominal pain. Ultrasound can also used to image the kidneys and liver. A ct scan utilizes a rotating x-ray beam to generate an image of the anatomy of concern. Ct is excellent at detecting kidney stones, bowel obstructions, pancreatitis, liver abnormalities, appendicitis, diverticulitis, irritated/inflamed bowel, and abdominal tumors; these are all possible causes of abdominal pain.

Question 2

is a mri or new 2013 ct scan any better then a new ultrasound technology? not getting the difference beside higher cost.

Accepted Answer

No. Just different.: The various scanning methods:  mri, ct, and ultrasound, are different... Not better than one another. So, one has to know what is being looked at and looked for. That's why the expertise of the primary doctor and the radiologist is so important. Together, they can decide which method and which machine is best for looking for a particular problem or disease.

Question 3

my wife's ultrasound and ct scan report shows suspected lesion in the urinary bladder. is there any non surgical method to remove it ?

Accepted Answer

Cystoscopy: There is an instrument called a cystoscope that is used to look inside the bladder, take biopsies, and perform procedures. This does not require surgery. Ask your doctor about it. If the lesion is inside the bladder, it's usually the first step. Best of luck! i hope it turns out to be nothing!

Question 4

whats better for diagnosing pancreatic cancer.... ct scan or mri? i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan with contrast. still worried.

Accepted Answer

Why worry: In answer to your question, i don't believe an MRI has any advantage over ct for pancreas lesions.  You've had a normal u/s and a normal ct, so why are you concerned about a process that is rarely seen in folks your age? If a lesion is seen on ct, the best test for evaluation is an endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy.  Don't waste your life worried about what could develop.. Good luck.

Question 5

whats better for diagnosing pancreatic cancer? ct scan or mri? 34yr male. i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan with contrast. still worried.

Accepted Answer

CT, ERCP, MRCP: Thin-slice (3 mm) ct abdomen yields fine detail of pancreatic structures...  Blood tests including tumor markers: ca-19-9, ca-15-3, and CEA can alert the clinician for ca.  Also, ERCP w/ ductal brushings (though its endoscopy) can search for malignancy.  Finally, mrcp may add to the clinical picture, but 64-bit ct is slowly encroaching on the former's superiority.

Question 6

i am still so anxious about having pancreatic cancer. my lipase levels have fluctuated slightly over the past year - from 1 to 20 points over the reference range. i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan. dr seems to think it's just me. but why??

Accepted Answer

Reference range: Reference range or normal values are derived by taking the central 95% of the levels in "healthy" people. Therefore, by definition, 5% of the "healthy" people have a level outside the reference range, without having any disease. Quit worrying about pancreatic cancer and your lipase level.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 7

pain to the left side of my belly button a couple of months, felt a little tear lifting heavy object. digestive issues and gas pains in that area. cant tolerate any waist band. ultrasound and ct scan showed nothing. could it be spigelian hernia?

Accepted Answer

: No, you probably injured the fascia or muscle and it will take 6-8 weeks to heal. Avoid heavy lifting.

Question 8

how much can an ultrasound, or ct scan cost?

Accepted Answer

See below: This usually depends on the specific test and varies among imaging centers and hospitals. The cost also varies with cash vs insurance payments. An ultrasound typically is in the $200 range and a ct is about $300-500 with cash payments. Contrast for ct adds more. It is best to call nearby imaging centers. Also advisable to evaluate the type of equipments and not costs alone.

Question 9

what can a ct scan show that an ultrasound can't show?

Accepted Answer

Better details: The resolution, details shown, on ct is more effective than that of ultrasound. Ultrasound shows liquids e.g. Cysts and effusion better and is cheaper but in obese patients ultrasound has limited penetration. Accordingly, ultrasound, in these patients, is usually replaced by ct that views fatty tissues better and penetrates as deep as needed for better resolution.

Question 10

if i have ct scan and it was normal, do i need an ultrasound too?

Accepted Answer

OF WHAT? FOR WHAT?: Answer depends on what is being examined and what is being looked for. A normal ct of the chest would likely not provide information about the heart that an ultrasound could. A ct might miss some masses in the liver that an ultrasound could show and vice versa.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between ultrasound and ct scan

A member asked:

What's the difference between ultrasound and ct scan? can someone explain the difference between an ultrasound and a ct scan? i'm going to have both done on my abdomen because of pain and discomfort that i've been experiencing.

A member asked:

Is a mri or new 2013 ct scan any better then a new ultrasound technology? not getting the difference beside higher cost.

A member asked:

My wife's ultrasound and ct scan report shows suspected lesion in the urinary bladder. is there any non surgical method to remove it ?

A member asked:

Whats better for diagnosing pancreatic cancer.... ct scan or mri? i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan with contrast. still worried.

A member asked:

Whats better for diagnosing pancreatic cancer? ct scan or mri? 34yr male. i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan with contrast. still worried.

A member asked:

I am still so anxious about having pancreatic cancer. my lipase levels have fluctuated slightly over the past year - from 1 to 20 points over the reference range. i've had normal ultrasound and ct scan. dr seems to think it's just me. but why??

A member asked:

Pain to the left side of my belly button a couple of months, felt a little tear lifting heavy object. digestive issues and gas pains in that area. cant tolerate any waist band. ultrasound and ct scan showed nothing. could it be spigelian hernia?

A member asked:

How much can an ultrasound, or ct scan cost?

A member asked:

What can a ct scan show that an ultrasound can't show?

A member asked:

If i have ct scan and it was normal, do i need an ultrasound too?

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