CT scan and results

sharps4590
sharps4590 Member Posts: 5
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I'm two years and 4 months past finishing my chemo.  All the check-ups and blood work have come back normal.  We were doing an annual CT scan so when I brought it up to my oncologist he said my numbers didn't warrant a scan.  So we talked a few more minutes nd he said "what the heck, we're talking about it so let's do one if for no other reason than peace of mind."


Well...the scan was Tuesday, the 11th, yesterday.  Got the results back and everything is clear but....doesn't there always have to be a "but".....there is a 1.6 CM lesion on my pancreas.  From what I can find out a "lesion" could be anything from a dot of nothing to a whole piece of cancer...until it's known.  Does anyone have a better definition or can point me in a direction?  It's a bit disconcerting as I was so confident all would be well.

 

I have an MRI scheduled for the 24th of May so I suppose that will tell the story, yes?

 

And before I forget, continued prayers for all my brother and sister cancer patients.

 

Vic

 

 

Comments

  • grammadebbie
    grammadebbie Member Posts: 464
    edited May 2021 #2
    So Sorry

    Hi Vic,  I don't have much medical information for you but wonder if they could do a PET scan?  I am 2007 IIIc colorectal cancer survivor.  Had a PET scan for another issue and 2 areas in the resection area lit up.  My understanding is PET only lights up cancer.  Also I have many lesions in my liver but they are not concerned about them.   I am a praying for you and your family and thaat God will give you wisdom. Please let us know how things are going.

     

    Debbie

     

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #3
    I am so confused now. I was

    I am so confused now. I was told that lesions are what they call the tumors where it has spread. But y'all are both saying something different. 

  • Tueffel
    Tueffel Member Posts: 327 Member
    edited May 2021 #4
    Biopsy

    First of all: good thing that you had the CT and later the MRI. I say lesion when I dont know what it is exactly. Some tumors have a characterictis appearance in CT/MRI, so you know exactly what it is. If they dont know what it is after MRI, only biopsy will tell you what it really is. But the moment you have the biopsy you will know for sure what you are dealing with. 

    PET scan is also a possibility even though I would do the radical approach: surgery. When it is out, it is out and if it is bad and cant do harm. 

    But I wish MRI will give you a certain diagnosis. 

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,428 Member
    #5
    I Would Ask For A PET Scan

    I would ask for a PET Scan to see what shows up if there is any uptake/activity, though I have not checked in how well it works on possible pancreatic cancer.  (Some things are not easily seen on PET - brain tumors for instance due to the activity in the brain if I recall correctly.)  Subject to the foregoing potential caveat,  tt can add to the picture provided by the MRI and CT.  I would also ask to have prior scans reviewed, with that being looked for.  It has happened to me, radiologists report different things.  Perhaps it was there before, and growing slowly, or has not changed.

    I would do it before any surgecial intervention based on what you have described so far, though I would try to push to get this done quickly for peace of mind or to take whatever steps needed. Biopsy/surgery as needed.

    Somet things to note (in my usual approach of hope for the best, though be prepared for the worst) is that mets from CRC to the pancreas is relatively rare. A study here

    "Metastases to the pancreas from colorectal cancer are rare. They should be suspected in a patient presenting with a pancreatic mass following a previous colorectal resection for colonic malignancy especially if the CEA levels rise during follow-up. " (Emphasis added about CEA rising as being a potential indicator. Also it seems to be something that happens "quickly" though they are not clear on the time frame.  Over 5 years is described as a real outlier.  2 years and 4 months sounds like it probably would not be "quick" but that is my ballpark interpretation.)

    Another study

    "Introduction. Secondary pancreatic metastasis from other solid organ malignancy is rare and accounts for less than 2% of all pancreatic tumors. "

    There are other causes for lesions

    "ancreatic cysts are water or mucus filled structures in the pancreas, similar to cysts that appear in other parts of the body. The most common cause of benign (non-cancerous) cysts is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be a result of excessive alcohol use or gallstone disease. Additionally, some genetically inherited conditions can predispose a person to get cysts in the pancreas."

    Again, you should get this all checked out and cleared up quickly.   Fingers and toes crossed for you that everything is fine.

     

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    #6
    They called things ''lesions'

    They called things ''lesions'' that turned out to be nothing, and some that did, but it's all up in the air until a definitive test is done. I know the waiting sucks, but hang in there...............................Dave

  • sharps4590
    sharps4590 Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2021 #7
    Thanks to all of you, very

    Thanks to all of you, very much.  Essentially one or all of you confirmed what I've been able to find out since I posted and for that I'm grateful.

    Deb,  I was 3C as well.  And thank you for the prayers.  God is the physician I want on my side!!!!

    abita, after almost 70 years I've learned every skill has its language.  I speak electrician excellently but frankly, my German is better than my Medicine!  I have to look up everything....and I ain;'t good at searches!

    Tueffel, thank you sir.  You reiterate what I've learned and, I agree with you!!!

    NewHere, a particular thanks to you.  After 35 years in business I have customers who are doctors who have become friends.  To a person they've all said basically the same as you.  More confirmation is better.

    Dave.....yeah....ain't it the truth!!!  Our choice is?

    Given what I could learn if this is cancer it's unlikely I would show any symptoms at this early stage.  I do feel good, I do as I want, sleep the sleep of the innocent, bowels are working like clockwork, no weight loss...it's still too easy to gain!!!!...no fatigue other than what can be chalked up to activity and "candels on the cake"...no pain....I feel like I'm about 45-50 rather than 68...except for the arthritis I didn't have at that young age.....lol!!

     

    Anyway, thanks again to all of you.  I will post the results of the MRI and see where that leaves us as to further treatments....as Dave mentioned I'll just have to hang in there.  Good thing I collected hobbies for 40 years...lol!

     

    God bless each and every one of you and I will be sure to keep you in my prayers.

     

    Vic

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    edited May 2021 #8
    Tueffel said:

    Biopsy

    First of all: good thing that you had the CT and later the MRI. I say lesion when I dont know what it is exactly. Some tumors have a characterictis appearance in CT/MRI, so you know exactly what it is. If they dont know what it is after MRI, only biopsy will tell you what it really is. But the moment you have the biopsy you will know for sure what you are dealing with. 

    PET scan is also a possibility even though I would do the radical approach: surgery. When it is out, it is out and if it is bad and cant do harm. 

    But I wish MRI will give you a certain diagnosis. 

    Great info, Tuffel

    It really is good to have someone 'in the know', who can help us.  There are so many words thrown our way, most of which go over our heads, at least when we are feeling too crappy to do research. 

    Thank you for your explantation on leisions. 

    Tru

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #9
    PET

    I have never had an MRI. I have had numerous CT Scans and two PET.  

    When I had my liver met, the CT Scan did not pick it up, but the PET did, so while I hated the scan itself - due to my bladder - I would definitley say I am thankful for it. 

    Wishing you all the best as you take this hard road toward recovery and NEDness. 

    Tru

  • Tueffel
    Tueffel Member Posts: 327 Member
    edited May 2021 #10
    Trubrit said:

    Great info, Tuffel

    It really is good to have someone 'in the know', who can help us.  There are so many words thrown our way, most of which go over our heads, at least when we are feeling too crappy to do research. 

    Thank you for your explantation on leisions. 

    Tru

    Hahaha

    In the know? I passed oncology and I am paying attention and I just realized yesterday that I have no idea about oncology and radiology. There is so much I dont know and I would possible still not know and never needed to if my dad would not suffer from it. 

    But yeah some basic medical stuff I know, I understand. I can imagime how difficult it might be for others to read reports and have to google each word in it because they dont know the medical lingo. 

    What is now in the pancreas, I call lesion because some things dont have a characteristic appearance and I think the best is always to have it under a microscope and see the cells , best of course when it is already removed. The "best" cancer is the one outside of the body, only behind to no cancer. 

  • Tueffel
    Tueffel Member Posts: 327 Member
    edited May 2021 #11
    sharps4590 said:

    Thanks to all of you, very

    Thanks to all of you, very much.  Essentially one or all of you confirmed what I've been able to find out since I posted and for that I'm grateful.

    Deb,  I was 3C as well.  And thank you for the prayers.  God is the physician I want on my side!!!!

    abita, after almost 70 years I've learned every skill has its language.  I speak electrician excellently but frankly, my German is better than my Medicine!  I have to look up everything....and I ain;'t good at searches!

    Tueffel, thank you sir.  You reiterate what I've learned and, I agree with you!!!

    NewHere, a particular thanks to you.  After 35 years in business I have customers who are doctors who have become friends.  To a person they've all said basically the same as you.  More confirmation is better.

    Dave.....yeah....ain't it the truth!!!  Our choice is?

    Given what I could learn if this is cancer it's unlikely I would show any symptoms at this early stage.  I do feel good, I do as I want, sleep the sleep of the innocent, bowels are working like clockwork, no weight loss...it's still too easy to gain!!!!...no fatigue other than what can be chalked up to activity and "candels on the cake"...no pain....I feel like I'm about 45-50 rather than 68...except for the arthritis I didn't have at that young age.....lol!!

     

    Anyway, thanks again to all of you.  I will post the results of the MRI and see where that leaves us as to further treatments....as Dave mentioned I'll just have to hang in there.  Good thing I collected hobbies for 40 years...lol!

     

    God bless each and every one of you and I will be sure to keep you in my prayers.

     

    Vic

    Input

    You got a lot of input now. So I hope that you either got some answers or the ideas to ask your doctor about. I do hope that MRI will give you a definete diagnosis. 

    You mentioned German? Do you live in Germany? I do.

    PS I am a girl ;) Dont worry common mistake here 

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