Radiology report language ... I don't understand

jasminsaba
jasminsaba Member Posts: 157 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi all,

I recently had my follow-up scans, done now every 4 months, and the radiologist has noted a 13 mm nodular density at the suture line of the surgical anastomosis which requires further investigation. I am confused by the language that has been used ... can anyone tell me where the location of this density is based on the below:

 

"There is a 13 mm new nodular density seen along the posterior margin of the suture line of the surgical anastomosis in the sigmoid colon which is concerning for recurrence of neoplasia. This needs further evaluation".

 

I am scheduled for a colonoscopy this Thursday ... but am losing my mind just trying to figure out what the poster margin means in relation to the suture line. Any thoughts?

Comments

  • Saraaaa
    Saraaaa Member Posts: 13
    #2
    Where exactly did you have

    Where exactly did you have surgery in the  colon before? The density is in the site in sigmoid colon where they reattached it. 

  • Ruthmomto4
    Ruthmomto4 Member Posts: 708 Member
    #3
    The wording

    i think they take classes in how to word things to sound bad. It just means there is something there where they reattached. It may or may not be something. Posterior means behind, hopefully they can get a better look with the colonoscopy. Don’t worry yet!

  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #4
    CT

    If it is any help, I went nuts based on language in a CT scan report, but a latter colonoscopy showed that everything was fine.  Between now and the colonoscopy, perhaps you could talk with your doctor about what the language may mean.  They write these reports conservatively and for other doctors, with very little regard for the reactions of the patients who also read them.

  • jasminsaba
    jasminsaba Member Posts: 157 Member
    #5
    Saraaaa said:

    Where exactly did you have

    Where exactly did you have surgery in the  colon before? The density is in the site in sigmoid colon where they reattached it. 

    My original tumor back in

    My original tumor back in June 2011 was in the sigmoid colon ... that's where the surgical anastomosis is and that's where they have spotted this nodular desnity, along the posterior suture line of the anastomosis.

  • jasminsaba
    jasminsaba Member Posts: 157 Member
    #6
    Ruthmomto4 said:

    The wording

    i think they take classes in how to word things to sound bad. It just means there is something there where they reattached. It may or may not be something. Posterior means behind, hopefully they can get a better look with the colonoscopy. Don’t worry yet!

    I agree - I understand they

    I agree - I understand they are trying to cover their behinds by staying as vague as possible in case they miss and/or overstate something ... but this is really ridiculous. We should be able to understand what is going on inside us.

  • jasminsaba
    jasminsaba Member Posts: 157 Member
    #7
    SandiaBuddy said:

    CT

    If it is any help, I went nuts based on language in a CT scan report, but a latter colonoscopy showed that everything was fine.  Between now and the colonoscopy, perhaps you could talk with your doctor about what the language may mean.  They write these reports conservatively and for other doctors, with very little regard for the reactions of the patients who also read them.

    Thanks for responding and

    Thanks for responding and sharing your own experience. I am focusing on other things to keep distracted. Today's prep day and procedure is scheduled for tomorrow. I feel the anxiety starting to creep in. Prayers are welcome.

  • Marley1983
    Marley1983 Member Posts: 16
    #8
    Sending prayers

    Sending prayers 

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