nuclear CT scan, iodine injection explanation

Dear Frankie123,

Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

It is good to see that your latest CT scan has come back clear, however it is understandable for you to be concerned about the request for a further scan.

It’s always a worrying time when you’re having tests after cancer treatment has finished. The uncertainty about what the future may hold can be very difficult to cope with.

The terminology you mentioned would imply that it is likely not cancer, however, they need to make sure and be very certain.

A further scan will allow your team to establish what that area of small uptake is and will help them to rule out as well as to find out what the cause of it is.

You mentioned the scan is with Iodine, and yes there have been reports that some have reacted to the dye for scans containing iodine. However they are rare, and the team will monitor you very closely.

If you have any concerns about why this scan is done with Iodine, or about a reaction to the dye, then please speak to the radiographers or your consultant about that. As unfortunately, we are not part of the NHS and cannot access your medical notes.  

Feeling upset and worried is completely understandable right now. You may feel like you have no control over what is going to happen to you. The waiting period might feel very long, and the future may feel very uncertain. It is natural that you may be worried about the scan, and it is important that you are able to express your concerns and get support.

You have already accessed the support available through our online community, and there is also local support available via our online search tool.

 Living with uncertainty can be difficult and it may be helpful to have an outlet for your concerns. As mentioned below please do contact us on the Macmillan Support Line if you would like to talk things through.

You can also take a look at these resources from Every Mind Matters or these NHS mental wellbeing audio guides. The audio guides are short recordings to help with worries and promote relaxation. The benefit of even taking a few minutes of time for yourself can be very helpful for some.  Also, some people like to talk to others going through a similar situation. You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, family, or a close friend. Your clinical specialist nurse can also provide support at this time. 

I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

Best wishes and take care,

Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist) 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ AM/BG

Hi Annerose

Thanks for your helpful reply. It's reassuring just to have an idea about the scan and the iodine used, I plan to ask  more about it when I go for the scan. I'm obviously hoping that it is benign and related to something else and understand why they want to check just to make sure. There's never any guarantee, however, and the mind jumps to the worst conclusions, which is pretty normal I think. I'm trying to be pragmatic and calm, which is working for the most part. If it is something else then two of my current mantras are - 'it is what it is' along with 'accept what you can't control and focus on what you can'.

Best wishes

Oonagh