Do I need to worry about my scan 6 months after surgery?

From what you described, having the tumor fully removed and all lymph nodes come back clear are very encouraging signs. The scans your doctors schedule — first every 3 months and later every 6 months — are usually routine follow-up to monitor the surgical area and make sure everything continues to look clear.

You may also want to ask your doctor about newer blood tests that look for tumor DNA in the bloodstream. These tests, sometimes called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests, are being studied to see if any microscopic cancer cells remain after surgery.

In some cases they may help doctors decide whether additional treatment like chemotherapy might be helpful. It’s still an evolving area of research, but it could be something worth discussing with your care team.

From what you described, having the tumor fully removed and all lymph nodes come back clear are very encouraging signs. The scans your doctors schedule — first every 3 months and later every 6 months — are usually routine follow-up to monitor the surgical area and make sure everything continues to look clear.

You may also want to ask your doctor about newer blood tests that look for tumor DNA in the bloodstream. These tests, sometimes called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests, are being studied to see if any microscopic cancer cells remain after surgery.

In some cases they may help doctors decide whether additional treatment like chemotherapy might be helpful. It’s still an evolving area of research, but it could be something worth discussing with your care team.

@mcharlesfrancis hi I haven't had a 3 month scan it's 6 months for me I've had my surgery is Dec my first 6 month scan in July

@jessie1990
Will your scan be with contrast?

Was your six month scan with contrast?

Was your six month scan with contrast?

From what you described, having the tumor fully removed and all lymph nodes come back clear are very encouraging signs. The scans your doctors schedule — first every 3 months and later every 6 months — are usually routine follow-up to monitor the surgical area and make sure everything continues to look clear.

You may also want to ask your doctor about newer blood tests that look for tumor DNA in the bloodstream. These tests, sometimes called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests, are being studied to see if any microscopic cancer cells remain after surgery.

In some cases they may help doctors decide whether additional treatment like chemotherapy might be helpful. It’s still an evolving area of research, but it could be something worth discussing with your care team.