About B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Expertise Answer - any questions concerning radiographic (X-Ray) positioning, exam expectations, procedural concerns, effects of radiation, as well as other modalities such as CT, and MRI.
Experience I have over 15 years of experience in X-ray, as well as several years of teaching radiographic examinations and positioning, anatomy pathology, etc.
Organizations American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT)
American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT)
Education/Credentials As of the end of 2008 I will be certified for MRI as well as completing my Bachelors of Science in Radiographic Sciences (BSRS)degree. Currently I hold an Associates degree in Radiological Sciences from Kent State University in Ohio. I am a registered Radiographer in Ohio and Florida and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
Expert: B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Date: 5/27/2008 Subject: Chest Ct Scan and RCC
Question Hello,
I am hoping you can help me. My husband has rcc. He had a neph back in 10/07. Due to reduced kidney function in the remaining kidney, he has to have scans w/o iv contrast. Since before the neph, they have been finding a snall nodule on the lung. This has not changed since before
the neph. However, there are some new items. I am hoping you can help me with an interpretation that is clearer for the lay person that I am. I am going to type word for word:
The unenhanced soft tissue window images show coronary artery calcification. No Pleural or pericardial effusion is seen. No bulky adenopathy in the hila, axillae or mediastimum is evident.
The bone window images do not show any blastic or lytic lesion present.
Lung window images do not shjow any proximal airway lesion. The lungs are clear. There is a tiny nodular density in the right middle lobe anteriorly which is unchanged since the 17/08 CT.
Scans 26 and 27 show a small focal area of bony expansion of the right anterior rib cage, of uncertain cause, but stable and most likely benign.
Conclusion: Stabel CT appearance of the chest. Tiny nodular density in the right middle lobe is unchanged
Needless to say I am worried about the rib cage thing and also the calcification for the coronary artery. I would very much appreciate your thoughts. We do have an appointment with his onc in a couple of weeks, but I am in panic mode now. He is just turned 63 and smoked for many years quitting a couple of years prior to the rcc diagnose. Any help you can give me is appreciated. Thanks
Answer Sorry to hear of your situation...
O.K. here goes
1. He has a calcified artery around the heart...this artery supplies the heart muscle it's own blood. I see these things and I would say the Cancer is far more worrisome at this point...I just X-rayed my 12 -year old dog today and he has a calcified IVC. I know he is just a dog though...just saying this is something I routinely see.
2. Lungs look good.
3. Rib has extra bone...but nothing alarming.
4. Nodule seen on previous exam in lung is the same as last time...this is good.
