MRI scan accuracy

[swanny]

I had an MRI that showed a clear large bowel but a 2cm polyp showed in the CT scan three weeks later! Going in for a sigmoidoscopy next week. Surgeon was suggesting it could wait until August so does that mean that the polyp that they have seen is not already a tumour - can they tell the difference?

 

[Mark63]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

MRI is a very good imaging tool and a CT scan is also. They see things differently and what shows clearly on one may not on the other. With this type of problem is highly unlikely that a Surgeon will pin a final diagnosis on the imaging alone. A sigmoidoscopy generally only looks at the lowest region of the colon. It may be that he will actually do a colonoscopy which will allow them to see further around. Depending on what they find they may remove the polyp then and there or biopsy it and go back for another go later. This is absolutely the best way to find out what is going on.

I've had both procedures carried out without sedation. I would call it uncomfortable, not terribly painful, but everyone takes these things differently. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Hope everything goes ok.


Wishing you well.


Mark