Random Thoughts 18: The Year of Fire
- Thread starter CloneLawman
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@FriendlySpartan Since you're a doctor, I was wondering if I could get your opinion on CT scans. A few months ago I noticed a bump on my neck. My doctor had left so they assigned me a PA. They ordered an ultrasound, and another one 3 months later. The radiologist is recommending a CT scan as the results are indeterminate. My gut tells me the PA and radiologist are being cautious (which isn't a bad thing) but reading about the radiation involved with a CT scan makes me nervous. Curious your thoughts on it.
So I order CT scans all the time as in emergency med it’s the best way to get in-depth imaging fast when the ultrasound is inconclusive. The radiation involved according to studies shouldn’t be an issue especially if you don’t have a condition that requires regular scans.
Obv when you say “bump” I hear “mass” so I would personally say get the scan as it’s better to catch something early. You could also ask for an MRI unless the “bump” is closer to your skull, in that case the CT is better. Often times we will actually use a combination of CT/MRI for surgical planning for mass removal in that area. Did they mention an MRI as an option?
Honestly the risks of radiation are incredibly small and if it was me I would just get the CT. Where in the neck is it located if you don’t mind me asking?
Edit* btw sometimes this can be an insurance thing where they will pay for a CT and not an MRI and that’s why it was suggested, CT is also just much eaiser/faster so scheduling isn’t a problem as long as the damn machine is working
Below my jaw on the left side. The first ultrasound they thought it was a reactive lymphnode, the 2nd one said they could reflect lymph nodes but do not have typical lymph node morphology and are indeterminate but appear relatively stable. No mention of an MRI as an option.
So the main difference is that CT scans (for what you’re dealing with) are very good at showing edges of things and MRI’s are better at differentiating between types of tissue. Both are good diagnostic tools but depending on what they are looking for I can 100% see what they want a CT in that location. Because of its proximity to your lower mandible the CT makes a lot of sense. Never hurts to ask about an MRI but CT is the right call at this stage based on that location.
Appreciate it! I have a lot of health anxiety and googling **** just makes it worse, so I appreciate you putting my mind at ease.
I had my right side of face go numb. For 8 months. Could not figure out what was wrong and went to multiple healthcare professionals, oral surgeons, nerve doc, dentist, MRI, the works. I was so freaked out because I used to chew (although the oral surgeon said you’ll screw up your gums but he wouldn’t be remotely worried about cancer). Anyway, finally tried a chiropractor. Went 3 times in a week and a half. Totally fixed it and have no problems sense (other than hurt pride for dropping probably 4 grand on medical bills and testing).
No worries, I get the fear with the radiation and we get the question a fair amount so you are far from the only one. We actually have different radiation risk grading scales for kids over adults as their organs are still developing and their life spans are expected to be longer.
When Lew started going through all his diagnostic processes in 2017, I found a couple of sites I could trust to give me information regarding terminologies and tests. I learned VERY quickly to avoid WebMD. I use the Mayo and Johns Hopkins websites. I ended up with a notebook with the different docs and a glossary (it was a whole process...).
Spartan might also have some layman friendly sites that he recommends. But the BEST person to ask is your doc.
Hard to beat mayo or Hopkins, I also like a lot of university hospital systems as well. Truthfully I don’t have a great knowledge base on layman friendly sites, I was actually going to post a link to a full diagnostic test review for neck/cranial masses but was worried about it being misconstruedWhen Lew started going through all his diagnostic processes in 2017, I found a couple of sites I could trust to give me information regarding terminologies and tests. I learned VERY quickly to avoid WebMD. I use the Mayo and Johns Hopkins websites. I ended up with a notebook with the different docs and a glossary (it was a whole process...).
Spartan might also have some layman friendly sites that he recommends. But the BEST person to ask is your doc.
We got a call from the vet a couple of hours ago. Milo did well with the injection He snuggled up on the pillowcase I left with him, and after we told her about his love for boxes, she put a box in his kennel. He jumped right in, curled up & went to sleep. So far, so good.
Where did this summer go?
Feels like a switch and our days are getting shorter and the mornings feel like fall.
Feels like a switch and our days are getting shorter and the mornings feel like fall.
The men in this room on average get about 25,000 days, while the women about 28,000 days. We should absolutely cherish each and every one.
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