Question: I am currently being treated for ovarian cancer. Had hysterectomy, and awaiting chemo treatment to begin shortly. My latest CT scan results revealed this, XXXXXXX ..stable enlarged calcified supra diaphragmatic and para aortic lymph nodes, and soft tissue nodule anterior to urinary bladder suspicious for peritoneal deposits .. XXXXXXX I am v concerned, and would like to know what the above statement means? Could you comment on the severity of the condition based on the above? Is the report implying the likelihood/presence of cancer cells? Post the hysterectomy surgery, my cancer marker indicates 18, which supposedly means "normal". In your opinion, is it necessary to do the chemo treatment based on the above? Could you kindly comment on my conditions based on the above facts. Am concerned, and most thankful to you.

Thank you, Dr Ramarajapalli, for your response.

You mentioned that XXXXXXX .. Cancer markers are non specific (only few histological types of ovarian cancer secrete this) and indicates prognosis to some extent XXXXXXX I am unsure of what you meant and wishes to clarify. Are you suggesting that Cancer markers, specifically the CA-125 test here, may not be a conclusive indicator, ie the fact that my most recent reading of 18 does not indicate that i am clear of cancer cells? I have read literature that says up to 20% of ovarian cancer patients do not in fact show elevated CA-125 readings, is that generally correct?

Noted that my cancer cells could be the "grade-1" type, ie the "slow-growing" type. Generally, this would mean the chemo treatment could be less effective vis-a-vis one used against the "fast-growing/aggressive" cancer cells? To what extent would your opinion be on this?

Lastly, given my current condition, is there any advice you could suggest that i do/not do, and anything you feel i should know that could help me?

Thank you for your time. And much appreciated.

Thank you Dr. Yes, I heard about IP chemo and I will just follow the advice of my chemo doc as we progress wih IV chemo .What is the difference between CT and PET scan? I had CT scan done prior to chemo and also because of my current condition , kidney infection(infection I got during hyster op). I had a Dj stent put into my ureter on my right kidney( during the op, because they found my right ureter was compressed). Thus, while looking out for my kidneys in the CT scan,found nodules in other areas.i am currently in IV antibiotics, outpatient clinic in hospital.

My right kidneys appeared enlarged on the scan.results said , ' persistent areas of wedge shaped hypodensity in the right kidney,suggestive of ongoing/resolving pyelonephritis. The cystic area is now no longer seen.' And 'increased prominence of pelvicalyceal system despite the presence of DJ stent' . my infectious diseases doctor told me not to worry about my kidney scan,because I look well and bloodwork results were normal. Still I do worry, is it normal to have such findings on a kidney who had infection since 5 weeks ago, on IV antibiotics ever since, or should I check w a doctor whether my urine is draining properly / normally? I read that kidney bloodwork doesn't show any bad results until if both kidneys were almost 70% damage. In this case, my left kidney is doing strong, so I have this worry that my normal blood results came mostly on the 'good' kidney? Please advice. Thank u.

XXXXXXX
27,Ovarian cancer stage 3
Papillary serous carcinoma grade 1.