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Can anyone shed some light on why an MRI scan after a CT scan?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hpe73
Hpe73

I don't want to make 6 out of 2 add 2 and know that searching for information can more often than not give more worry than it can answer questions.  but the wait for answers (two weeks so far) is frustrating me.

?My mother was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, Oesophageal Cancer after an endesocpy examination two weeks ago . 

?the nurses told us it was a large lump that was obstructing her gullet. They took a biopsy gave us a support nurses number, and told us there would be a multi disaplinary meeting in around ten days.  Since then mum was called in for a CT scan and now she's being called in for an MRI scan.  so far all we know is what we were told after the endescopy mum is yet to contact the support nurse I have but of course patient confidentiatily would mean shes not going to respond to me.  I am trying to get them to engage with my mum cause my mum is unlikely going to call them.. I was hoping she would at least try to touch ground with my mum but despite explaining that my mum would be better apprached rather than the other way round. she has not contacted her. 

?I am wondering why they might do a MRI scan after a CT scan? I know each are able to show things up in various places better than the other but what I am getting at is why would they do a ct scan first when  a MRI is considered safer and then after, do an MRI. Could it be that the CT shows up calls in lymph nodes and therefore they are now looking for brone metastasis? ? I feel we are being left out in the dark here and I feel like time is being wasted. Also I heard there is a waiting list for chemo surely this can't be true ? surely there is no time for waiting lists where cancer is concerned ?

?I am beside myself right now, My mum is having pain and food is getting stuck  how long is this all going to take ? She needs treatmend of some sort and two weeks later shes in her house on her own sometimes cause this all being new, I need to make life adjustments to care for her full timelike moving nearby so I am near enough to my children when caring for her I am so scared for her and dont get why the hospital will not keep her in under observation while all the tests are being done. she needs a stent now if they are going to pussy foot around  or at least 24 hour observation until her full staging has been done and care kicks in . 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • AlanJM
    AlanJM Hpe73

    Posted

    I think this is probably so that they get the best possible analysis for the stage that the cancer has reached.   Are any lymph nodes affected;  is there any metastastic spread, and so on.    There is a helpful explanation about this of you google TNM staging oesophageal Cancer - Cancer Research UK.

    ​For squamous cell carcinoma in its very early stages, it is possible to treat it by chemo-radiotherpay without the major surgery that would otherwise be needed.   But this will all depend on the TNM staging decision of course, and if your mother was told that it was a large tumour, this make it more likely that it has grown beyond the early stage.   They will ideally need the result of all the scans before the Multi-Disciplinary team meeting that reviews her case and discusses the best course of treatment for her.

    ​It is a furstrating period between diagnosis and the decision of the MDT but experience has shown that decisions about treatment are best taken by this process.  

    ​It may well be helpful for your mother to have somebody else with her when she goes to the appointments as two sets of ears are better than one when listening to what the specialists say.

    I do hope that things go well for her.

    ​The Oesophageal Patients Association have a helpline on 0121 704 9860.

  • Chats5
    Chats5 Hpe73

    Posted

    My belief about the CT vs MRI question is that, unfortunately it comes down to cost and demand. I think they would do a CT scan first as these machines are more common and less costly to run than MRIs and although they show less detail, they are able to show 'something' if it's there. The second course of action would then be to refer someone to an MRI which shows greater detail (eg., more depth) to get a better understanding about what they are really dealing with. As OPA_AlanM said, make sure there are two sets of ears at each appointment as it can be difficult for one person to take everything in, and take a notepad with you. 

    The wait for answers will seem like an eternity. Don't be afraid to ask questions and push for answers and appointments if you believe things are progressing too slowly. Remember, the specialists are the experts but it is your mum and it's her life in their hands. 

    I also hope that things go well for her.

  • vanessa66630
    vanessa66630 Hpe73

    Posted

    I had this type of cancer, it is very important to catch it early as only 1 in 5 is operable,I was diagnosed after a endoscapy, I had chemo and radiotherapy first followed by complete removal of my stomach,I was so lucky as I had private medical insurance, if I was you I would really make a fuss, hope this helps.
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