CT Scan-Bowel Cancer

[purplepepper1]

Just wondering if anyone would help me?
How accurate are scans for picking up Bowel Cancer?
I have read that they can-and likewise read that they can only pick up large enough tumors.
If anyone has any knowledge of this I would be most grateful.
Thank you PP.

[LIZS]

I think initial diagnosis is via colonoscopy and biopsy.

[Teawaster]

My DH had an initial colonoscopy, then had MRI, CT and PET scans. I think they all show different aspects of the disease and I recall in the initial stages secondaries showed on the left side of liver in one scan but not on another so it can sometimes be difficult to tell when potential tumors are small . There is a minimum size that each type of scan can pick up I believe .

[YoungGirlGrowingOld]

Typically bc diagnosed via colonoscopy and biopsy but liver and lungs checked for secondaries via CT. The CT limit is a couple of mm if I remember right.

[purplepepper1]

Thanks so much-That is reassuring

[Twodogsandahooch]

It depends whether you are talking about a standard CT or CT colonography. Done by the right person you can get really good images with a CT colon and they are being used for diagnosis.

[purplepepper1]

Yes just the normal CT Scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis.

[Finewineandcake]

Hi purple, have you had your CT yet? I am booked in this Thursday for the same scan. Stressed as the doctor suggested a colonoscopy but has referred me for a CT instead. I had a colonoscopy almost exactly a year ago which came out all ok. My symptoms could be a bowel or ovary problem. Good luck with your scan, or if you have already had it how were the results?