CT or ultrasound

Allochka
Allochka Member Posts: 1,072 Member
in Kidney Cancer #1

There was a discussion recently if ultrasounds are good enough for follow up.

My husband is getting ultrasounds every 6 months. But after his latest NED the doc performing ultrasounds suggested to have a CT once in a while (like, once in 2-3 years or so). Just in case... Or better MRI for younger people to avoid radiation. 

So husband did CT scan and once again was visited by our uncle N. 

But I just wanted to share the info with those who are on ultrasounds only - perhaps you can also consider an MRI once in 3 years, for example, just to be on the safe side?

At the same time ultrasounds husband has see things only 3 mm big, so I guess they are pretty detailed.

Also positive note - the ultrasound doc said he performs follow ups for many kidney cancer patients. And to his experience, Stage 1 guys have more probability to get a new unrelated cancer than to have a reccurence :-) Very optimistic thing to hear!

Comments

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    #2
    Personally

    I'd want a CT scan. I believe they are more detailed

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    edited September 2016 #3
    My experience

    I had CT's for 6 years and Ultra Sounds for the next 8 and an extra CT thrown in at year 13. There are no right and wrong answers to your question. Factors to be condidered are your doctors  Jugdement, CT expososure, what your previous tests show, guidelines, Insurance coverage and costs.

     

     

    Icemantoo

  • corey50
    corey50 Member Posts: 111
    edited October 2016 #4
    I'd like to add

    The staging at diagnosis (stage one will not have the same testing protocol as stage 4), any recurrences, amount of time since original dx or recurrence, family history. These along with above by icemantoo are all factors the doc should be using to determine which testing is right for each person. 

    Yes, CT scans are more detailed than an ultrasound, but a secondary cancer from exposure to radiation is a real risk. I have had CTs in the past and may have them again in the future, but we don't all need them all the time. 

    Thank you Allochka for posting your husband's doc's advice, it seems sound. Also, icemantoo, thank you for always being the voice of reason.

    Good health to all. 

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