Hello, all! I just turned 40 and have had stomach/bowel/urinary/lower back pain problems since January. I had an upper endoscopy, Liver and Gallbladder ultrasound and abdominal/pelvic CT scan. They all found nothing. I asked my DR. if a CT scan would have detected Colon Cancer within the colon. He said no, but if there was any, it hadn't spread anywhere per the CT. So, I felt better but now have had persistant headaches (somewhat less gas problems) in the last 3 weeks. I also noticed a decent size bump on my head where the back of my head meets the top of my head square in the middle. I had the CT scan about 4 weeks ago. Could colon cancer have spread to my brain that fast if there was colon cancer that was local a month ago? I'm guessing no but am worried. Is it also true that CT scans can detect large polyps? BTW, my brother was diagnosed with IBS. He had most of the symptoms I have including urinary and bowel habits, etc. Thanks in advance and good luck to all of you!

Mike.

Hey...take away your headaches and it sounds like you and I are very similar with our ailments. However, my one exception would be that I doubt very much if there is the remotest possibility that any of your pain could be a result of scar tissue from a hysterectomy...considering your name is "mike".

Anyway...I am not a veteran t0 this list, but I do believe that you need to go on to have a colonoscopy as I am going to have. Everyone on this board highly suggests it and reports it to be the ideal test to detect anything that could possibly turn into cancer later. I, too, had the CT and it also came back normal. Which is GREAT, but it only shows what would be on the outside of the colon--not the inside. Basicly, it seems that the CT scan would detect later stages of cancer but to be safe have it checked out.

I am 42...I have always been extremely fit and healthy. I remember very, very clearly when I was 20 and my mom was 40 she said, "Everything starts falling apart when you're 40!" Boy...was she right.

Ain't it great?

Mike:

I think you are probably stressing yourself out thinking about all this. It IS a good idea to have a colonoscopy, now if you have symptoms or a family history, after 50 if not. Colorectal cancer ususally does NOT spread to the brain... very rare. The most common spot is the liver, and the pelvic region, then the lungs.

I would try not to worry, and just for safety sake, book the colonoscopy. Chances are, you probably have IBS like your brother, but better to be safe than sorry. Good peace of mind!

Good Luck and Keep us posted.
CancerDad

Penny and CancerDad, thanks so much for the advice! It is pretty strange how all this happening on cue as I turned 40. ugh!

Take care!

Mike.

I'm responding to the question about CT detecting cancer inside the colon... If it is large enough for a CT to detect it will detect it. My father had the CT before the colonoscopy (which they could not complete due to blockage) but it did detect "a mass". Also, it was able to see pockets of diverticula. I was told by a doctor somewhere..can't remember that a CT can detect any "foreign material" 3mm or larger.

It is good that your CT is clear!

~P

pgta.. I had a colonoscopy done first, and they couldnt get to beyond 20cm up there, so then was ordered to have a ct scan where they seen a "large mass".
Not sure if this helps..
Maz

~P and Maz, thanks so much, that is so helpful and comforting! I am still worried about my headaches, but feel better about my lower half :) How are you doing with your treatment Maz? How about you Father ~P? I pray both good.

Thanks again!
Mike.