I've had CT angiography (scan with dye injection) that showed low-grade appendiceal mucinous tumor with small volume periappendiceal tumor. I went for a 2nd surgeon opinion. He sujested to perform diagnostic laparoscopy in addition to CT scan to verify the findings.
Did anybody had these two diagnostic procedures and what was the correlation between two of them?
Thanks.
Hello, sorry to hear of your diagnosis, my Mum had a laparoscopy along with CT scans, the laparoscopy shows a much clearer understanding of what is happening inside and which organs are effected, from this they can also ascertain your PCI score (I would ask them to provide you with this). PCI stands for Peritoneal Cancer Index and is used to quantify the extent of peritoneal cancer spread for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and other peritoneal surface malignancies. It provides an objective measure of overall tumour burden to help guide treatment decisions and predict prognosis. CT scans do not always show this cancer (my mum for example, from a CT scan was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis when it was in fact PMP - but we were not in the hands dealing of PMP appendix specialists which didn’t help!). I’d recommend asking for a PET CT scan or MRI also as these provide a much clearer view than a CT scan. It sounds like your surgeons know what they are doing - my Mum was based in the UK and had to go abroad for a laparoscopy and ultimately her CRS/HIPEC procedure.
From my experience, this website isn’t used much, there are a couple of Facebook groups that are a fantastic support network for patients and carers and you’d probably get quicker answers on these:
facebook.com/share/knMAPhaA...
facebook.com/share/SQfzuVtw...
I wish you all the very best.
Hello,
Thank you for your reply.
It is valuable and informative. I did read about PCI earlier. But I don't know what doctor what doctor should order the proper scan or MRI: oncologist or surgeon. Currently I am under oncologist surveillance. I will follow your advice.
Hope your mom is well after the surgery.
Hi @Hamton1 - whilst I am based in the UK, it has always been my understanding that laparoscopies should be approached with caution when dealing with this type of cancer. The scope can move things about and cause cancer cells to seed in areas that they might not have, had they been left alone. Being referred to a specialist in appendix cancers and pseudomyxoma peritonei is important, they will advise on suitable diagnostic tests for you.
Thank you for your reply. It is a very good reason to try not to be invasive. I am looking now for a good specialist in that area. Don't know yet, oncologist or surgeon.
