Question about a Catscan?

[chager]

I have been trying to find out if ovarian cysts will show up on a Catscan. I called my Ob/gyn and the nurse said she thought they would have, but everything I have read and my friends all say they may not necessarily show and that usually the way to find one is by an internal MRI or ultrasound. My CATscan came back ok, but I am still having alot of pain on my lower right side. Since my appendix looked ok, I am thinking overian cyst maybe? My family Dr doesn't think that is the issue, but he can't come up with any answers either. So far all the tests they have done have come back ok. The only ones I haven't done are the internal ultrasound and the endoscope.(sp?) I also read that ovarian cysts can cuase nausea and vomiting, both of which I have had over the last several weeks. I really need to find an answer soon! I want to real food and not be sick!!

 

[Maray]

Hi,
I think you need to have the internal ultra-sound.
As a breast cancer survivor, my Dr, and the tech, felt that was the best way to actually tell what is going on inside.It's like taking a tour inside there.

It's been a few years, but I think the only discomfort was the cold gel they put on your belly.
BTW, They found nothing.

Hope the same goes for you. and you feel better soon.

Hugs, Marilyn

 

[chris1gill]

Agreed on the internal ultrasound... but if nothing should arise, I'd suggest seeing a gastroenterologist as you could have any number of digestion problems that could cause these problems. Not all of which could be diagnosed or seen with a endoscopy. In fact endoscopy isn't all that good at diagnosing anything other than abnormal tissue that might be found. There are other more invasive tests they do that tell the real story of GI problems, but if that's your problem, they're the best tests to have.

 

[DebbieB]

I recently had an "internal" ultrasound to check for uterine fibroids and it did show a small cyst on one ovary.

 

[tinkntraining]

My ovarian cysts were diagnosed by an internal ultrasound, but then confirmed by a pelvic CT with contrast -- so (at least in my case) both technologies found the cysts.

I had a lot of pain, but no vomiting. I think you should follow-up with your GYN and most likely, she'll order an internal ultrasound. If that comes back normal, perhaps you should see a Gastro specialist (it may not be gyn-related).

Good luck to you. I hope you find a cause of your pain, soon.

 

[tazdev3225]

I had an MRI several years ago on my back and neck. It picked up 2 suspicious masses, one in each area. The neck was done further by a CTscan and the abdomen was diagnosed by an internal ultrasound. It was an ovarian cyst that resolved itself. I had no symptoms to begin with. My Drs. never even considered the CTscan for the abdominal mass.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Were they looking for ovarian cysts on the ultrasound? If not, plenty of rads only look for exactly what the scan was ordered for and nothing else. Did you have contrast with the CT? That would help to show a cyst as well if there is one.

Ultrasound is really the way to go when looking for ovarian masses. Generally they will start with a traditional scan (think cold jelly on your belly) and then progress if order, or if anything is suspected, with an internal scan (it's internal and they are looking at your ovaries... I'm sure you can figure out where that goes )

MRI is great as well but an ultrasound is quicker, easier, and a hole lot cheaper.

For what its worth, I have had overian cysts and I have worked in the medical imaging field - any questions let me know, I'll help as much as I can.

 

[KAMLEM]

Hi,
I think you need to have the internal ultra-sound.
It's been a few years, but I think the only discomfort was the cold gel they put on your belly.

They don't put gel on your belly for an internal ultra-sound, that's how they do a "traditional" ultrasound. For an internal, they use a probe "internally". Sorry, I don't want to get too graphic. I have had a few, and they are no worse than getting a pap smear.