They generally rely on the report - if they have any questions about the report they will contact them. The report is enough. However the scans are important. I believe a combination of both is important for diagnosis - protocol at my hospital is a baseline scan of head neck and chest - prior to treatment (radiation) then a comparison scan 3 mos after. I think I'm due for one in dec too. Scan will pick up something not visible to the human eye. For the longest time I had a lump in my tongue - to look at it - other than some redness - it wasn apparent! My first biopsy was negative - a ct might have picked it up! If nothing else it would have given the dr. Someything further to look into maybe even indicate a deeper biopsy. I would ask for a scan. as for a second opinion I would definitely go with the radiation... It was recommended for me for the same reason (PI) plus I had a node with ECE - your radiation guy may also have a say on the scans and he may also be your primary go to man/woman. Good luck!