Thursday, May 28, 2009

Would breast cancer show up on a CAT scan of the heart or lungs

Would breast cancer show up on a CAT scan of the heart or lungs?
I had a CAT scan in december? and i was wondering. If i had breast cancer would it show up on a CAT scan of the heart and/or lungs? I dont think it was very recent... I first thought i might have it like 2 years ago... but never went to the doctor or anything.
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I have frequent CT scans due to my lung cancer. A couple of years ago, a suspicious shadow was seen on one of my breasts so was sent for a mammogram.. luckily it came back negative. So I would say a mammo would be more accurate than a CT scan for early detection of breast cancer.
2 :
You need a mammogram. A BSE (breast self examination) is a good first step. A mammogram procedure shoots low amplitude X-ray to examine the breast. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk. A CT Scan needs IV contrast for an accurate assessment of cancer. An iodine dye (contrast material) is often used to make structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. A tumor and its surrounding healthy cells are only slightly different in densities. A CT Scan by itself would not be able to make the distinction. A CT Scan can see bones and denser organs okay, but needs help from special contrast materials to see veins, cancer, and other soft tissue well. Mammograms are better suited for soft tissue.
3 :
AC is right however, you don't always need a contrast. My sister fell on the ice and her chest really hurt. Her Dr. ordered a CT to see if her ribs were broken and wanted to make sure nothing else was going on. Well, that's when they found a tumor in her breast. It was malignant. So a CT can show a tumor not a cyst, but a tumor. and to the first girl who has lung cancer, I will remember you in my prayers. I hope you're alright

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