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Malignant melanoma: need to scan?
Cancer | Last Active: Jul 28, 2016 | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
I also had a brain tumor several years ago, and I have to have follow up scans every so often. Having just been through this process, I know that MRIs are much more likely to find something like that in the head, and they avoid radiation. Why wouldn't you have an MRI of the brain and not a CT?
Replies to "I also had a brain tumor several years ago, and I have to have follow up..."
I had a tumor in auditory canal called Acoustic Neuroma. I lost most of my hearing in one ear, had terrible ringing and fullness in the ear, and horrible headaches.
I would highly recommend a trip to Mayo to get all checked out if you can do it. I went to Mayo for a heart condition that I have as well and it is an amazing place. They are terrific there. And it seems like your doc is sort of shooting in the dark if you are the one giving him suggestions for testing.
I think I will go ahead & head to a Mayo clinic unless I can find specialists that I need in Dallas or San Antonio (I have places to stay in both cities & can drive there). My general Dr. is mainly used as a hub and a place to get referrals! Pretty much goes for any general I've ever had. I'm guessing Mayo could do multiple back-to-back office visits while there? I'll call and start the conversation. I'd have a dermotol. check out moles, neurologist run an MIR of brain (or I'd get that done beforehand), and a electophysiol. go through all the tests I've already had for my PVC's, etc... Even if it was a 3-4 day trip, it would be worth it for a piece of mind.
Texan777 Here are the contact numbers for Mayo Clinic at all 3 campuses: Minnesota, Florida and Arizona http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 They will help plan your visit to make it as efficient as possible with testing and doctor consults.
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Due to my ignorance of all of this (I'm learning fast now!), I suggested a CT because I didn't know any better. He didn't persuade me into an MRI though. Just warned me about the neg. effects of a CT. From only a few minutes of research today, its said that CT is better to detect cancer (if needed later, maybe use that on my chest area?) and an MRI is better for tumors.
I was thinking that my PVC's are causing all of my symptoms, but my general prac. thinks otherwise. Might be an underlying cause due to the light-headedness, ringing in my ears, reduction in eyesight (in my good eye!), 40% energy some days, etc... He referred me to a neurologist here in San Angelo. I guess I'll wait to see what he says but may go ahead and travel to Mayo to get everything checked out.
What were your symptoms with your brain tumor? I don't have any bad headaches, but have other issues as stated. My mom passed away at 49 with a brain aneurysm; bad headaches for 6 months and then it just happened all at once.
Can't believe I'm telling all this to strangers, but this is a great discussion group. REALLY helps as I press forward & try to find the right people to put together the right game plan.