Do CT Scans detect breast cancer?

markatger
markatger Member Posts: 314
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello everyone,

I am new to this board...I'm a semi-regular over on the colo-rectal cancer page. So as you would presume I am a colo-rectal cancer survivor, 3 months out from last chemo, Yay!

I freaking out today though because I have a hard area in my left breast. It feels like about an inch around, like the size of a big marble. It almost feels like a bruised hematoma, but I don't remember injuring myself and I don't have a bruise on the surface.

I had a CT sacan done last week as follow-up for the colo-rectal cancer. Would CT scans catch problems in my breasts?

I will, of course, be calling my doctor, but freaking out a little on this holiday.

Another concerning factor to me is that I just started on Homrone replacment therapy because I am in early menopause at 34 from radiation treatments for the rectal cancer. They said it is recommended and safe for me to do the HRT, but now I am unsure again.

Bottom line question, will CTs pick up breast cancer?

Thanks much for any info and letting me visit your neighboorhood!
Maria

Comments

  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #2
    Well, I would guess, probably not. Usually the CT scan is of particular organs such as lungs and liver. Remember most lumps are benign. I will be so thinking of you. It's really too soon to start freaking. And I know with what you have already been through that you are not listening to me, are you? So do something fun, watch a movie, take your mind off this, then call tomorrow. OK, if you insist on catastrophizing... Worse case scenario! The CT scan would have picked up mets and clearly did not. That means even if it is BC - it is very likely very treatable and YOU WILL BE FINE!

    Kathi, where are you? You need to answer this!

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #3
    While I can't answer your questions... Just wanted you to know that the vast majority of lumps are beniegn and even if it isn't it will be early stage... and breast cancer treatments have come a very long way... So we will all be wishing you the best of luck... Hope it was just a panic for no good reason...

    Take Care of yourself ... and God Bless.

    Susan
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    #4
    I just wanted to add that CT scans are usually also done to particular areas of the body. Not necessarily is the whole body going to be scanned at that time. It seems that altra sound is more effective diagnostic tool in young women. I was 36 at diagnosis and a mam gram didn't catch it. I was told less than 10 percent chance of mine being cancer by one surgeon and one GP. I was also told because I wasn't showing signs of illness I was ok, tired not sick. I was also told and have been told many times since, cancer doesn't hurt. WRONG it can. Depending on where it is and depending on the nerve involvement many cancers can be very painful. I am saying this not to worry you but to make you realize that even at stage 3 and 4 there are many survivors and some that defy all reasoning and odds. Being in touch with your body and and sticking to listening to that gutt feeling will make all the difference. I too will be wishing, hoping and praying for the best.
    Tara
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    Hey, Maria...just got back from a short break...
    You know, I have been crossing over from the CRC board for a long time...
    CT scans CAN find tumors...BUT only if the scan was in that area...usually my scans for the rectal cancer cover only the abdomen and the pelvis...
    You REALLY need to tell your onc ASAP!
    There unfortunately is a link from colorectal cancer to reproductive organs in females...that is what happened to me...
    That said...worst case senario....you KNOW you have beat the beast once, you CAN and WILL beat it AGAIN...I did, within a 19 month period....
    PLEASE keep us informed!....Lesley is right. 95% of all breast tumors are benign...just had a friend that found hers was just fluid filled...NED!
    Hugs here, too!
    Kathi
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #6
    Thanks everyone for info and support. I had breast exam today. They think its likely a cyst. I will have an ultrasound and mammogram tomorrow.

    Ugh they think the HRT could have something to do with it. I was hesitant to use HRT because I am a rectal cancer survivor. Now I definitely am very wary to continue it.

    Thanks again for all the help and kind words..I'll keep ya posted.

    Maria
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #7
    markatger said:

    Thanks everyone for info and support. I had breast exam today. They think its likely a cyst. I will have an ultrasound and mammogram tomorrow.

    Ugh they think the HRT could have something to do with it. I was hesitant to use HRT because I am a rectal cancer survivor. Now I definitely am very wary to continue it.

    Thanks again for all the help and kind words..I'll keep ya posted.

    Maria

    Thanks so much for letting us know Maria. I have been so worried about you. I love Kathi to bits and was so worried that you may also have to travel that road. I'm so glad that you are getting it thoroughly checked out. Yeah, lose the HRT. I hate to see anyone suffer, but there is no messing with this disease.

    Hugs.

    Lesley

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