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Accuracy CT scan throat

PositiveJ
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I have had kidney cancer and it was removed and now I'm just waiting to have scans every 6 months. 

Since then I have become very aware of everything that goes on with my body. 

I found some lymph nodes enlarged and Dr referred me to an ultrasound. The doctor said not even point in doing a biopsy as they didn't look anything malignant. 

I carried on being worried about this ( more than with my actual diagnosis of kidney cancer) and I have had a CT scan of neck, tórax and abdomen. And it came clear. I haven't been told what exactly is but the ent doctor said nothing to worry about. Put a camera down my throat and off I went. 

I'm still worried that the CT scan accuracy for predicting malignancy in neck lymph nodes. I'm really scared that they are missing out in something but nobody considers that I should have a biopsy. 

What are your experiences in CT scan and ultrasound with lymph nodes? 

Thank you so much for reading and answering. 

  • Offline

    I am not a doctor. 

    Ultrasound is a very common and effective way of looking at lymph nodes to see if there's anything suspicious. The sonographer would know what to look for and if in doubt would record images and show them to someone else for a second opinion. 

    I don't know so much about CT, but I believe that injected contract agents are used which have an affinity for cancer cells and which therefore show up suspicious areas on the scan.  If the scan found nothing then I would be reassured. 

    I know from my own experience with prostate cancer that in the years following treatment, the thought of recurrence very much preys on one's mind. It's a form of targeted health anxiety and I found counselling useful. 

  • Offline in reply to telemando

    Thank you very much for your reply .

    It's this health anxiety now that doesn't let me live my life. 

    I have been twice in the ent doctor with the camera, less than 6 months ago in the dentist, two times in a&e for stomach pains and blood in stool. 

    One CT scan in December where they found my kidney tumour. One CT scan in February for tórax. Ultrasound of the neck for the lymph node and now a CT scan from neck to abdomen to check everything. And still no relaxed. 

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