Dr Sharman on CT and PET scans - how they differ and what are the risks?

[AussieNeil]

Dr Sharman provides an overview of how these scans work, explains why CT scans are better for assessing CLL than PET scans and puts the concerns about the risk of developing secondary cancers from repeated CT scans into perspective.

cll-nhl.com/2013/04/ct-and-...

Neil

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Good article, thanks Neil.

It is important to understand this is a very small increase risk, over many scans and many years.

Small risk, big benefit. In my case, a CTscan saved my life and started my CLL treatment. A PET scan confirmed DLBCL.

It is quite probable without these scans I wouldn't be typing this now....

Subsequently I have had 6 scans in the past year, to view disease progression and to map me for radio therapy of the spine etc. I have no concern what so ever about secondary cancers due to over exposure. All the scans were well reasoned, well explained and justified, IMHO.

~chris

[kalpanabakshi]

Thanks Neil, very good article.

[jangreen]

Hi Yes, the more we as individual patients learn then the more informed we are and can then make informed choices.

[Tanagergreen]

Excellent article and reassuring as well. Thank you for that.