CT v Colonoscopy’s

[LinC1]

After seeing a consultant for low abdominal pain (negative qFIT) I was given a CT scan, which was also thankfully fine. I was told that this would have shown anything which would merit an invasive Colonoscopy & that, as nothing showed up, then it’s not really recommended to do one as it comes with it’s own risks. The pain is lessening but not totally gone + has been attributed to combination of stress (I’ve had some very bad life events recently), big changes to diet & menopause causing spasms etc.

Just wondering if CT rather than Colonoscopy is usual? I was told it’s because it’s less risky + would show up any need for more invasive testing.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi LinC1,

Thank you for posting here on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you are having to deal with this situation, but you do bring up a very good point. A point I brought up when I found out what I had to do annually for cancer surveillance. I can only speak to this given my situation and experience.

I am a colon cancer survivor. I was stage 4 and have Lynch Syndrome which is hereditary. I am doing fine, but it essentially means cancer can hide from my immune system. I am currently doing surveillance monitoring. I get an annual colonoscopy, annual bloodwork, and annual CT scan. I had colon cancer so we are looking for any instance of polyps in whatever degree of being formed and the only way to do that is with a colonoscopy. The CT scan will not pick up that issue. The CT scan is looking for any other form of what may be cancer or building towards that. For me it takes both.

Believe me, I wish the CT scan could do everything and I didn't have to get the annual colonoscopy. I asked if the CT was good enough and I was told no. When I had abdominal pain, the doc said let's get that checked out. I had a CT scan it was a large mass (fist / baseball size) which turned out to be stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. I never had a colonoscopy until after I had that first CT scan.

For you, you did have a negative FIT and no other physical signs that may be 'off' except for the abdominal pain which you say is lessening. Your CT scan was fine which would have showed any mass that may have formed causing you the pain. Other questions would be is there a history in your family?

So now you're waiting to see if the stress, diet changes, and menopause causing spasms may be the culprit and eventually the pain will go away. I can't give medical advice as that's between you and your doctor. You do have every right to get a second opinion. You can take your CT scan results and have your situation reviewed again with another doctor. This may give you peace of mind?

You see my situation with the family history of cancer, my cancer fight and compromised immune system and the surveillance it takes to catch things early should they reappear. That's my case and I have to get both procedures done annually.

I hope this helps you out. I do wish you the best in finding a solution that puts you on a path to feeling better and being confident with your testing results.

Thank You,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[7476]

Hi I had a ct colonoscopy as they couldn’t get all the way around with the colonoscopy only took about 20 mins