The way we had it explained to us. Mri's give a clearer picture, CTs are better at showing the edges and shapes of tumours/lesions in most parts of the body. Not all, but most.  CTs are also preferred when they're looking at larger areas.

MRIs are good at looking at soft tissue/joint damage/injury and viewing certain areas of the body such as the brain and heart.

Completely normal to get both when being investigated further. After all, more information beniefits you the patient.

Thank you very much for responding and quickly. Really appreciated. Hopefully things will be even clearer for me with sue kind of way forward after this. Kevin

Thank you once again. I hope so. So kind off you to respond so quickly. Take care

Hello 

I had a ct and it showed a pancreas issue.

The last 3 years I've been monitored with mrcp scans which are much more detailed. 

I also had a eus.

Hi thank you, could I ask what a eus is please

eus is an endoscopic ultrasound - thats what my gastroscopy was - sort of like an internal ultrasound with entry through the mouth (in my case) and they are able to biopsy at the same time. Sounds horrific but in reality with sedation you are not really aware what is happening.

Hi 

I found it awful at first because they wanted to do it awake. 

I had a panic attack and climbed off the table ,next thing I was on the ward.

Yes as leni56 said and it's a really good way to get a proper look .

Hello Kevin, and thank you for posting

I am afraid we do not know what may be happening as we are not part of the team who are looking after you. What I can say is that different scans are often used to get a more full and accurate picture. CT scans are used alongside MRI's as they can give differing pictures on parts of the body. For example, an MRI scan is good at looking at tissues inside the body and the CT scan can look at the surrounding areas and other structures.

Doctors from separate specialist departments often discuss patients and their scans results, this usually happens at a Multi disciplinary team meeting (MDT).

Until you have had all the tests and scans it can be difficult to say what is exactly going on, whether anything is linked or if it is serious. The doctors will get the information they need and they will then tell you what they are thinking.

Waiting to hear news about your health can be a hard and frustrating time, but hopefully you will know more about this all soon. 

Take care Kevin, and if you want to talk this over talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.

Hello,

A EUS is a Endoscopic Ultrasound.

This test combines ultrasound and endoscopy to look at your food pipe, stomach, pancreas and bile ducts.

To do the test your doctor uses a long flexible tube called an endoscope. It has a tiny camera and light on the end and an ultrasound probe attached. The ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. The doctor can take samples of abnormal areas (biopsy) during the test.

I hope that this helps,

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda