Endoscopic ultrasound ?

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WendyMarie
WendyMarie Member Posts: 48
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Saw my GI today to review endoscopy results. He saw no signs of cancer or polyps,but we are still not sure what is making the PET scan light up. Next week I will probably be having an endoscopic ultrasound at the medical university where I had my surgeries. I've never had this test before. If anyone can give me an idea of what to expect,I'd appreciate it! I'm so tired of all these tests but sure am glad they are staying on top of things and being so quick about it!!!

Wendy

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  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #2
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    Wendy,
    Keep after them until they are able to give you a reasonable answer for what is lighting up the PET scan. Remember that the PET scan shows areas that have increased cellular growth activity and is not a test that specifically shows cancer.

    If your ultrasound is like the ones I had, the doctor first looks in the rectum with a rigid type proctoscope (and does a digital exam). That is the most uncomfortable part and you will feel pressure there. After that the ultrasound probe is inserted and is narrower and will not feel that uncomfortable (of course, anything there is not pleasant). It does not take too long unless there is something seen which requires a biopsy.

    Good luck and we will think positive thoughts for a negative ultrasound exam.

    ****
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
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    Wendy,
    I had this procedure several years ago, to 'stage' my rectal tumour. Vinny3 (****) has described the procedure well. For me, I'm sorry to say it was pretty painful -- but I believe that is because of my tumour, which was lying very low. My understanding is that it can be a very accurate procedure (in the right hands, of course), particularly for staging. It was a very fast procedure. In my case, my doc was able to give me the results right away....Best wishes with that.
    Tara
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
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    Wendy,
    With my endoscopic ultrasound, I was given versed, the same stuff that I got for the colonoscopy...didn't remember anything...it was done at the medical center where I later had my surgery, and the most awful part was, just like the colonoscopy, I had to 'cleanse' with Phosphosoda...sigh...but, no lasting side effects, either.
    I remember being tired, too...but like you, I was very grateful that they were thorough...
    Hugs, Kathi

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