How necessary is an additional Colonoscopy screening if I’ve already gone through a CT scan for cancer?
They found a suspicious mass on my spine at an MRI screening for my back. I’ve gone through a full-body CT scan that turned out clear, but now I’m being told I’ll also need a colonoscopy. Is this necessary now, as I’m already struggling with a broken back? Would the CT scan give an idea about colorectal cancer risk, without the need for a colonoscopy?
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You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
Total body CT is not an approved tool to screen for colon cancer. Special CT called CT colonography is required.
Yes, you should have a colonoscopy because the CT scan can miss masses. The colonoscopy inflates the colon so you can actually see polyps or masses.