New patient, scheduled for transoral, mostly terrified and wondering if its right thing to do

[KoolDude]

@Oman

My surgeon made my diagnosis and is (as far as I know) ready to do this surgery from just this single CT. Do I need the digital imaging? Should I be seeking more radiology?

I think since the Dr. feels that he has enough evidence from this CT to do the surgery, I would say, another imaging is not necessary. You do not need unnecessary exposure to radiation if you do not have to.

Although the images you posted are limited, they show thick styloid (red arrow) with bigger diameter. The second image shows that the left one is bit bigger & longer than the right styloid (red arrows).
Not sure if the second coronal image slice captures the whole styloid. If you want to see the whole styloid and measure it, you can do so with 3d slicer software. You will need to download your CT and use 3D slicer or equivalent 3D rendering software to see it in 3D. If you want to learn how to quickly do that, see the link below on how to do that quickly. Please also note that the link tutorial is based on older version of 3D slicer (4.xx), the new version is (5.xx) but not much has changed in terms of installing it and rendering the 3D between the versions.

@SnappleofDiscord

The Amazing 3D Slicer Tutorial !

This is a step by step walk-thru for anyone who wants to render or play with their CT scans.
I’m going to focus specifically on rendering a model to view the styloids.

I’m using Windows for this guide.
Also, the images are embedded so be sure to use the DESKTOP VIEW if you’re on a mobile device.

This tutorial is broken down into Little steps so even those who aren’t very comfortable with technology can use the program. It looks long, but it’s easy!

There’s a lot of picture and I’ll be explaining some terminology along the way.

I’m available if anyone has any questions for need any help, too.

It’s been Amazingly helpful for me to not only be familiar with my medical images, but also have a clear picture of the issue to take along to doctors or send out to specialists. Doctors are busy, and also human, so it’s good to be a pro-active patient. It’s also very therapeutic to be able to SEE the monster you’re fighting, and science is cool.
There’s a whole library of guides for visualizing very specific things on all kinds of tests available on the Slicer website, as well as sample scans that come with the program if you want to play around.

You are going to need:

• 3D Slicer program downloaded and installed.
  3D Slicer Website

(Make sure to install the “STABLE RELEASE” version. This, and most other guides are for the STABLE RELEASE version.)

• A CD, or data copy of your CT scan.

As a note, a CT scan with contrast is was you ideally want to use.

I have managed to get the CT scans without contrast to work, and even some MRIs, but it’s not a very clear image.
3D slicer is also very image heavy and sucks up your computer resources. If you have an older computer, or just really cheap one like me, you will want to close all your other programs. 3D Slicer also takes its time, so be patient if images don’t show up right away or look blurry.

Ready? Here we go!