C.T. Scan's

[Margo]

I know this is slightly off topic.

I have just been invited to a CT lung Scan, I was a social smoker in the 80's and smoked a little bit on and off, but nothing major and still enjoy the odd cigarette with a glass of wine (once in a blue moon). My mother had lung cancer in her early 50's, (she had thyroid problems too) which is probably why I have been called up.

Does anyone have an opinion on CT Scans, I am not keen on doing anything that could be detrimental for my health in the future, but also I am aware that these days checks like this will soon become a thing of the past.

Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Margo

Because I have lung disease I had to have a CT scan to confirm a suspected diagnosis (could only be confirmed by CT scan) and a few years later another scan to see if it had progressed. No contrast dye was used in my sort of scan.

Presumably you are worried about the radiation and risk of exposure. You have to weigh it up. You can always Google for how much radiation exposure is involved compared to .... whatever ...

Given your familial history, if this was me (who has had absolutely no exposure to x-rays until I developed lung disease, apart from a few dental x-rays) I think I might opt for the scan.

[Margo in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your reply. My mother had COPD and I have asthma, and struggle to breath sometimes particularly lately, Wondering if I also have COPD, would a CT Scan pick this up as well do you think?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Margo]

Margo

My COPD was diagnosed through lung function tests at hospital (not scan), my GP referred me after presenting with extreme breathlessness. I only had the scan because a second lung disease was suspected a few years later due to constant recurring infections, bronchiectasis was suspected due to this presentation and that can only be confirmed by a CT scan.

I think the lung function tests - spirometry and maybe additional breathing tests - is enough to diagnose COPD but imaging might be used to perhaps identify the cause or confirm the diagnosis if this is thought necessary. I certainly didn't have a scan, nor was it considered, for my COPD diagnosis.

From what I understand the difference is that asthma causes attacks of wheezing/tightness in the chest whereas COPD symptoms are usually more constant and a cough that brings up phlegm.

I think it's possible, though probably not particularly common, to have both.

[Margo]

Oh dear Susie, I think I have been rather cavalier with my health over the years, particularly now. I suppose having been ill most of my life and better now than I have ever been in most regards with the help of the right thyroid meds/supps, a few cigarettes with a glass of wine now I have done my 3 score years and 10 is ok. I will say yes to the scan, and maybe start behaving a bit better in regard to my health, hoping that I don't get a shock diagnosis.

Thank you again for your response.

[Framboise]

I can imagine how you feel! I have a lung CT scan every year to monitor a nodule, which was first noticed when I had an unrelated MRI scan about 5 years ago. I was referred to a pulmonary specialist within two days, had the first CT scan with contrast five days later, and spent the next month assuming I was about to die.

So far the nodule has been ok, it altered just once, so I continue to have the scan each year, but now that the radiologist knows exactly what he's looking at, I no longer need to have the contrast. I think the downside of the scans is worth it for the peace of mind. It also means if anything is wrong it can be dealt with immediately and before any symptoms appear.

As far as asthma and COPD are concerned, the first CT scan picked up that I had air trapping, as had an x-ray about 10 years ago. Nothing had been mentioned originally, but after the scan I was told I probably have adult onset asthma, or it might be COPD, but that neither could be definitively tested for. I wish they could, because I still don't know if I have either, neither, or both, and am not treated for either as I have no apparent symptoms.

Good luck!