Head ct with contrast why?

Hi - I am from the kidney group.  I had a "surprise" head CT scan before my biopsy and 2 weeks after diagnosis which wasn't justified beforehand.  I learned afterwards that it's standard to have a head CT scan before starting treatment.  The registrar suspected radiology just added it on to the appt to save time and a return visit.  I am on immunotherapy.  It could be similar for LC.  Just routine and capturing the starting position.  

Hi yvonne I was diagnosed on 21st December with lung cancer to, today I have to go for a head mri and was wondering why it has scared me half to death x

I'm NSCLC stage 4 and after 7 months have never had a head scan. Have had a few thorax and abdomen ct scans and an ultrasound scan, but never the head.

You've got me wondering now!  The brain is one of the main areas lc goes to?

I had lung cancer last year and had to have a brain MRI. I believe it's part of the process as lung cancer can metastasise to the brain so they have to check. 

I have new nodules and they have again performed a brain MRI along with the regular CT and PET, luckily brain is clear of metastasis. 

Hi Yvonne,

I asked the question when i was sent for my brain scan after my lung cancer diagnosis, and was told it was a standard procedure to check if the cancer had mets into the brain. I also underwent many different tests & scans plus lymph & tumour biopsies before my treatment plan was presented by my Oncologist. 

Your care team need to be fully armed with all possible info before deciding on treatment plan.

I have listed all the tests and scans i had if you click on my profile.

Hope this helps?

Dave.

Anything suspicious showing on a head CT would change your treatment plan.  They need to be as certain as possible that there's no brain involvement before starting treatment.