Scans question

My husband went for his annual bone scan and CT scan today. They are keeping him and decided to get x-rays after reviewing the scans. Of course, the techs aren't telling him anything .... any thoughts on why they want to do x-rays now? What does an x-ray show that a CT scan doesn't?

Just getting as much information as is possible. CT is an x-ray just using technology to get different views. The traditional x-ray is probably being used to compare to the bone scans to look for changes. Did he have full body x-ray and CT or were they specific to certain areas? Of course, as always, ask the doctor that ordered them.

Traditional x-ray is less radiation, much cheaper and ore often used for skeletal investigation. CT is many times the radiation, much more expensive, more difficult to administer as movement affects the imaging and is more often used for internal organ investigations. They are looking for mets and use a combination of techniques as no one does it all.

PSA has gone up as well ... just got the results from this morning 2.24 :-(

I don’t think there’s a need for anxiety about this. There could a number of reasons for it. As stated, for more information, or possibly this particular doctor may have wanted a different angle on something. After my last bone scan the technician came back and said the doctor wanted additional scans. I was thinking this can’t be good. The report came back all fine - no changes from the previous scans.

So again, I wouldn’t read too much into it.

Debbie,
Even though his PSA has gone up, it’s still low. It’s not clear to me they would see anything with a bone scan or x-ray at his PSA.

Perhaps the scans revealed something they are not sure about. By adding the simple, focused, X-ray they hope to clarify things while limiting cost and radiation exposure..

Sometimes an old injury or a bit of arthritis can look something like a PC met, so they have to check each to make sure. Likely nothing to do with PC, but you never know so they have to be careful and check everything.

Dr. Oliver Sartor, can’t think of two better hands to be in. He is my choice in the event I have an increase in PSA. He is very well regarded and should serve you well. He has seen everything PCa.