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So many scans

Joniboy
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A close relative has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Since the diagnosis, a CT scan has shown cancerous 'dots' on his liver. He is now waiting for a PET scan, which will take place almost 2 months after the initial diagnosis. Why is the PET scan done last? Would it have saved time and expense to have the PET at the onset? He is becoming increasingly frustrated with what appear to him to be unnecessary delays. Thank you

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your relatives situation and appreciate this must be a difficult time for the family.

    Unfortunately it can take time for tests to be carried out and the results to come back. Whilst this can be incredibly frustrating it is important the doctors have all the information about what is going on to make the best treatment decisions for their patients.

    Different scans are used for different reasons and therefore a PET scan isn't always necessary. A CT scan is usually used to show up the location on the cancer and to check for any other spread to nearby organs. If something suspicious is highlighted then a more detailed scan such as a PET is needed to find out more but this isn't always necessary.

    Do encourage your relative to talk things through with his team and how he is feeling. I am sure they have his best interests at heart and hopefully they can reassure him.

    Please get back if you have further questions or if you wish to talk things through do give us a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5.

    Best wishes to you and your family

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hi Naomi and thank you for your reply.

    I've spoken to him at length regarding seeking answers for reassurance and having read your reply, he is now willing to write out some questions to ask, rather than hoping the answers he wants will come out during routine conversation with the medical team.

    Our thanks again to you and your team.

     

  • Offline

    Hello Joniboy,

                          a PET scan gives radiation exposure 2.5 greater than a CT scan,advice is to limit to a maximum of 3 in a lifetime.Obviously they are considerably more expensive,around 10-12 times so if memory serves.So very good reasons to use a graduated response towards scans.Over my cancer journey l was pushing the limit of radiation exposure due to cancer deciding to go on vacation to differing parts of the body,in itself not helpful to your body,and the number of scans can add up,both before and after surgery Of course you never know how things might progress at the start of treatment,so best to keep a bit of water back in the kitchen sink.

                                                l can understand the worry over the time taken and his concerns,but proceedures are there for good reasons and he is now on the treatment journey,which l hope works out well in the future,.

                                                                                                                                                    David

                                                                                    

     

     

     

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