Can a CT miss early stage ovarian cancer?

[16hands]

Just curious if an ER visit CT scan can miss ovarian cancer.

[Luckyducky144]

I had two CT scans when I went to the ER. My acites was so intense that it obscured the cancer.

[Goldfishstar in reply to Luckyducky144]

I had a CT for unrelated issue and it didn't show up any cancer. 4 weeks later had an iodine CT and had 10 abdominal wall tumours between pea and large marble size. The onc said it needed the contrast to show them

[Ruebacelle]

did bloodwork include cancer markers and also pet scan will highlight cancerous tissue wbile ct scans are better at locating exactly where. Good luck

[FlowerRose]

I had a CT for general abdominal pain in August 2019, nothing. Four months later more pain and different new symptoms and second CT and found cancer "everywhere." It's still hard for me to believe that I went from nothing at all to stage 3c in four months, I think smthg was obfuscating the reading though I doubt I'll ever know what. Sorry, this isn't very reassuring.

[16hands in reply to FlowerRose]

Actually, it is reassuring, in a way. Part of me feels like a hypochondriac when the CT didn't find anything. The other part is screaming that I shouldn't feel this bad. I feel better knowing that a CT isn't 100% and it's in my best interest to push further.

I had an appointment with the ob-gyn yesterday due to a couple of false-positive pregnancy tests (hCG hormone levels higher than they should be). She said that it's very rare and it means one of two things: 1) it's nothing, or 2) it's cancer. Having an ultrasound tomorrow. Just hoping for some definitive answers.

[16hands in reply to FlowerRose]

Also, curious what your additional symptoms were.

[FlowerRose]

Oh my goodness, what an emotional rollercoaster you are riding! The first scan I got as a result of a sharp pain deep in my abdomen (around pancreas area). Was SURE it was pancreas cancer, it wasn't. Second scan was because it was quite obvious smthg was wrong because of the abdominal fluid bloating I looked and felt 8 months pregnant, plus oddly I had unbearable pain in my right shoulder - and I have a high pain tolerance!! (Turns out a tumor in abdomen was pressing on a nerve.) Felt very full after eating only a little and sort of nauseated from the fullness after meals. Was due for a colonoscopy and GI doc said, Hmm, why don't we get you an emergency scan first because none of that sounds right. Found all the cancer at that second scan. It's a big mystery to me, and now I'm afraid I've probably freaked you out to no end, sorry.

[16hands in reply to FlowerRose]

No worries! I appreciate your experience. I've been telling doctors for a while that I don't feel right and I never get any answers. I also look like I'm 6 months pregnant. I have gained 6 pounds from my last doctor's visit, but that doesn't explain why I've gone from a size 16 to my old 20s not fitting around the waste (I can get them on but can't zip or button them). I also have a hard time eating and feel nauseous 24/7. And the back pain is unbearable sometimes and it is also constant. No amount of ibuprofen relieves it. Maybe tomorrow I'll get some answers.

[FlowerRose]

Please let us know. I'll be thinking of you from Los Angeles, california ❤️

[16hands in reply to FlowerRose]

I grew up in San Diego

[Hidden]

Hi there. Just wondering did you get that Ca125 done? Although not definitive, it can be a good indicator. In answer to your current question, yes, I believe CT scans can miss first time. PET scans are much more accurate. Best wishes. Pauline.

[EternalHope]

I’m curious if you ever got a diagnosis. I’ve been having stabbing pains in my lower left abdomen for almost three months, increasing in intensity and frequency for past two weeks. It’s debilitating and has caused me to withdraw from life. Also extreme fatigue, decreased appetite (with no weight loss), dizziness, lower back pain, occasional pain during and after sex. Ultrasound and CT revealed nothing, making me feel like I’m crazy. But I KNOW something is wrong with my body.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hello EternalHope,

Thank you very much for your message on this thread. As this post was started a little while ago, I wanted to reply.

I am very sorry to read about the symptoms that you have been experiencing and the impact these have had on your life. I would encourage you to return to your doctor to discuss your concerns so that they can look into what may be causing the symptoms that you are experiencing. If you are concerned about your symptoms or they suddenly worsen, please seek immediate medical advice.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are also the signs of symptoms of much more common, more easily treated conditions, but it is important to have them investigated so that the cause can be identified. I do hope that you get some relief from these symptoms soon.

We are here if you would ever like to talk anything through. You can contact us by messaging us directly through this forum, by emailing [e-mail] or by calling our support line on ([phone]. All our support services are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm (U.K time). As I believe you are based in the US, you may prefer to contact us via video call. There is some more information about this here: ovacome.org.uk/forms/1-to-1...

Best wishes,

Cathryn

Ovacome Support