Question about CT Scan

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Question about CT Scan

This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 2 months ago by Polymath.

Post

- January 23, 2020 at 2:08 am
- Quote
QuietPoet
Participant
Hi Folks!

I’m getting a CT scan tomorrow of the abdomen (first one). I’m doing it without contrast because I’m allergic to a lot of chemicals. I was curious whether that makes any difference in how well mel mets might show up.

I have to say (in response to an earlier post) that I have a FANTASTIC GP at UCSF now. This is the second time I’ve developed a dermatomyosotis reaction (basically, my skin is saying — something bad may be going on in your body). The rheumatologist sort of blew it off because my labs didn’t weren’t positive for ANA or the anitbodies they tested for. About a year later, my melanoma was found. I’m sure I had the melanoma during that time. After the melanoma was removed, the dematomyosotis got better for the most part. Well, it’s back — along with pain in the abdomen and fevers. This GP — given the history — wasted no time. She’s doing a lot more blood tests and ordered a CT scan immediately. It’s so nice to be taken seriously. Our bodies talk to us (or at least mine is rather chatty).

Viewing 1 reply thread

Replies

- - January 23, 2020 at 6:59 pm
  - Quote
  lkb
  Participant
  QP, I don’t have an answer about the contrast, but I’m glad to hear you’re getting great primary care from UCSF (as am I). Hope today’s CT scan doesn’t reveal any melanoma; if it does, however, you’ll be in good hands at UCSF. Good luck!
  - January 23, 2020 at 7:41 pm
    
    Quote
    sks2019
    Participant
    
    I am surpirised to hear there are folks on this forum who are getting treated at UCSF. Which Melanoma docs are you guys seeing ?
  - January 24, 2020 at 3:21 am
    
    Quote
    QuietPoet
    Participant
    
    Just curious why you are surprised? They are a designated melanoma center. My doctor (not an oncologist but a researcher working on better diagnostic methods for those with many dysplastic nevi) is Maria Wei. I know another person who has been getting good care there as a Stage 4 warrior for quite a while though I don’t think he’s on this board.
  - January 24, 2020 at 3:18 am
    
    Quote
    QuietPoet
    Participant
    
    Thank you, Ike. Good luck with your decision.
- - January 25, 2020 at 5:34 am
  - Quote
  Polymath
  Participant
  I was very pleased with my care at UCSF. They have a dedicated staff of melanoma specialists.
  In fact I credit them for saving my life after my local oncologist had run out of options.

Viewing 1 reply thread

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.