Would a tumour show up on a CT scan?

[Orangelimes]

I had a CT scan for neck pain which didn’t show anything so I was referred for an MRI. The results have come back 2 weeks quicker than they said they would and I’m now panicking they have found something sinister so have rushed it through. Would a tumour have shown up in the CT scan or not until the MRI?
Thanks

Ah I'm sorry, you must be worrying!

CT scans will show most tumours, yes. MRIs are often used for neck pain cos they show soft tissues much better than CT, so for things like bulging discs in your spine or other soft tissue problems, they give a better picture.

Which is to say - it doesn't necessarily mean anything overly sinister, just a different form of imaging and can pick up certain problems better! Do you have an appointment about your results booked in?

Thank you that’s reassuring. Yes I have an appointment tomorrow.

I hope you're okay, OP - how did the appointment go?