Re: Ca 19-9

[Guest guest]

Hi! Wow, I didn't even know a score of 18,000 was possible! Shame on my docs

for calling me scary high! My numbers were in the high 500s. I want to say

around 580 something or other, but I really don't remember off the top of my

head. The doctors kept telling me that I had cancer (or that they were pretty

sure I had cancer or that I should prepare myself that I had cancer). Luckily,

that didn't turn out to be the case (at least so far). They came back to me

with: Well, we can't rule out cancer, but it seems like you're okay for now (or

something very similar and reassuring!) Sometimes I love the medical system.

LOL

Sandi in VA

[Guest guest]

I have a freind that sent me back the below when I asked him about the diffverance in a PET and CT scan...these are what I'll be having after hearing about results from my CA19-9 test....

Don PSC/UC 11-08

In simple terms, a CT(computed tomography) shows your dr. a picture of what your body looks like on the inside. They can see what is/isn't there, the size and position of structures, and if there is air, fluid, or foreign materials present. A dr. would not mistake an ovary for a mass, he/she has been trained to identify all the organs & knows what they should look like and where they should be. A demarcated mass is one that has clearly defined margins, this could represent a multitude of completely benign things including a cyst(fluid filled cavity lined with normal epithelial cells), an abscess(a puss filled cavity lined with normal epithelial cells), a teratoma(normal tissue that grew in the wrong place), a hematoma(collection of blood), an enlarged/swollen ovulatory follicle, etc. It could also be something more serious but a benign cause is usually far more likely. A PET(positron emission tomagraphy) scan will show your dr. any structures

that "light up" during the scan. Only tissues that are rapidly metabolizing energy sources(nutrients) or actively dividing(mitotic activity) will light up. Rapid and unregulated cell division/reproduction is a key characteristic of cancer cells. PET scans are useful for identifying rapidly dividing tissues, areas of high metabolic activity, cancerous tumors, and metastatic disease without the need for invasive procedures. Your best plan of action is to wait for the results of your pet scan, maintain clear and open communication with your doctor, and stay calm.