Dr. Carlos J. Ledezma, MD

It depends on reason. Once is usually enough for most symptoms but you have to be careful about frequent lung CT scans as there is radiation involved and multiple CT scans can be harmful over long haul.

No but it can show secondary signs of smoking (ie emphysema and large masses) CT low dose screening is best test to screen for lung cancer but there are age restrictions and you need to smoke certain amount.

First of all thyroid cancer is rare. Second of all imaging such as US or CT cann show features which will be highly suggestive of malignancy. There are features which "look ugly" such as large mass, invasive that is spreading to other tissues that are signs of invasive cancers but you would still need a biopsy. We want to catch the cancers before they "look ugly." Most thyroid lesions are nodules which are benign.

Yes IR can treat certain types of liver cancers either with chemotherapy given through artery cutting off blood supply, giving radiation treatment, and/or freezing or burning the tumor. The first step is to see an oncologist who can determine if your type of tumor meets that criteria for IR treatment. Traditionally it had been for liver cancers that started in liver and now we can treat cancers that have traveled to liver (metastatic cancers)

Its a very safe procedure for the right patient but it is 95% effective and has been around for a while since 1995. You need an MRI to see more details about your fibroid. Any IR can help you to see if you are a good candidate for it. Another thing that needs to be known is your age as there is possibility of infertility (it is low risk) but remember possibility of infertility with hysterectomy is 100%!! It is a decision that has to be made with you and your doctor and an IR who can let you know your options and see if you are a good candidate for this procedure (most woman are!)

First of all, sorry to hear your mother is going through this tough time. Usually, we do ablation for tumors in liver, lung, bone, and most body parts. I have not heard of RFA for brain tumors. Usually it is treated with surgery or radiation treatments.

It can safely be removed with a procedure called thoracentesis. IF it is filling up because of her cancer, it can be removed by a longer-term tube that physicians like myself (Interventional radiologists) can put in. Both are safe procedures.

Sorry to hear your mother is going through this. Yes, many tumors can be treated by docs like myself either with chemoagent through artery or radiation through artery that we access and/or burning or freezing the tumor.

True allergic reactions to contrast or anything range from minor (i.e. rash, itching etc.) to major (trouble breathing, swelling, and even death). Should you need a CT scan with contrast or angiogram etc. with contrast, the risk and benefits of the procedure and use of contrast should be weighed by the physician ordering the scan/procedure and your presumed allergy. As a general rule, most docs (ER docs, PCP, etc.) will see your contrast allergy and not order the scan with contrast and you will be okay.

However, there are conditions and situations (heart attack needing angiogram or possible aortic dissection, etc.) where contrast is vital for diagnosis and not making diagnosis is life-threatening (once again, a cost benefit determination which should be made by doc ordering procedure or scan). In those cases, you can get pre-medicated (medications given before the contrast injection such as Benadryl and steroids to help prevent the contrast allergic reaction) to get contrast and get scan with contrast or get procedure (angiogram) that you might need.

Short answer: Most people (docs) won't order a CT scan with dye, but when you REALLY need it as not giving dye may be life-threatening, you CAN receive the contrast if you get some meds beforehand (the docs should know the type of meds you will need beforehand).