CT Scan - Contrasting Materials?

Question

About 2 years ago, I had a full body CT scan and bone scan - due to being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
They made me drink a huge jug of clear awful liquid. I don't remember being injected with the burning iodine.
After the CT scan was over, the stuff I drank made me really sick, diahhrea all day & night - and a burning throat from drinking the liquid that lasted 3 days. I came down with a cold because my system was so depleted from the awful drink.

I need to get another CT scan. I don't want to drink the liquid again because I don't want to be that sick again.
My doctor did not want to do it without any Contrast materials. She said they can't see anything without the Contrast materials.
I don't mind being injected with something if need be.

Are there other contrasting materials they can use?
What about a CT scan without contrasting materials ?
They are checking my body for tumors, so thats what they need to look for. Does the Contrast drink really make a difference?

Answer 1

CT SCAN
good: ct , no IV or oral contrast
ok but if I had a history of CA I would not choose this one.

better: ct, no IV contrast but oral contrast - barium
ok but if I had a history of CA I would not choose this one either
just not enough information.

best: ct, IV and Oral contrast with arterial , venous and delayed scans. with a history of CA I would not select any ct but this method. using flavored barium for oral contrast.

have you thought about a PET scan ?

in short YES contrast makes a difference. Its you life were talking about here, do the best exam possible for yourself

Answer 2

The IV contrast is used to enhance any cancer tumors in your body. The Oral contrast is used to coat the bowl. It is very important to drink this solution. You can ask the imaging center if they have different types of it. It usually comes in a chalky white barium or a clear gastro liquid. Both cause the runs but the barium is easier to stomach on the way down. Make sure you drink plenty of water after the test to flush it out.

Answer 3

Oral CT contrast is used in certain tests, yes there is an injectable form of contrast that they use. Depending on the test you are going for depends on the types of contrst that will be used. The contrast is use to highlight your internal organs and makes it much easier to diagnose the problem. Tell the person giving you the contrast how it affected you last time and they should be able to contact your doctor to get you something to help relieve your upset stomach.

Answer 4

a CT ABP with typically used to investigate masses and circulation of the body. The contrast is needed to identify filling defects and the way it fills is extermely important to differentiate between different pathology (e.g. neoplasia vs. a benign haemangioma). So in that regard, no, contrast is necessary. The dye should be gadallinum and is safe in most people - the majority of the people that have side effects have a high Cr and hence go into acute renal failure. Can you use another test? Depending on the nature of the test possibly MR Angio, but that costs way more.

Answer 5

Barium can not be used during a cat scan. The amount of scatter it produces make the exam undiagnostic. As for using oral contrast, ask if a negative oral contrast can be used like plain water. Still distends bowel and not as hard on your system. Sometimes the iv contrast can be mixed in water and drank for the same results as gastroview with out the awful taste and diarrhea side effects. Since iv contrast will not cross into the blood stream when orally ingested, there is no chance of iodine reaction. Chances are they are looking for metastasis of your BC. This will show with IV contrast. Oral is more for strictures or obstruction due to meds or radiation therapy. It also helps exclude loops of bowel being mistaken for a mass. Good to see your doctor is keeping on her toes. Best wishes with your cancer.

Answer 6

Yes it does make a difference. The Cheeta contrast liquid will make you have diarrhea, that's what it's supposed to do. It cleans you out so they can see everything better. It's better to be ill for a couple of days and catch something early then let it go and die of cancer. Do what your Dr recommends
IV contrast die has side effects to. If youre allergic to iodine you should not have it.

Answer 7

the best thing that you can do is ask the radiologist if they can use intravenous contrast. good luck and prayen for an A OK test!