What is a CT scan of the chest looking for?
A CT scan of the chest can help find problems such as infection, lung cancer, blocked blood flow in the lung (pulmonary embolism), and other lung problems. It also can be used to see if cancer has spread into the chest from another area of the body. A low-dose CT scan is a different type of chest CT scan.
Why would doctor order CT scan of lungs?
Many times, a CT scan is ordered by a doctor after noticing something abnormal in an X-ray. Although the CT scan cannot give a definitive diagnosis, it is helpful in the evaluation of lung diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, cancer, blood clots or damage caused by smoking.
What organs can be seen on a chest CT scan?
What is a chest CT? A chest CT (computed tomography) scan uses special X-ray equipment to take detailed images of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, airways, ribs and lymph nodes. Chest CT scans can help you doctor to determine the causes of chest symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.
What can I expect from a lung CT scan?
During the test, you’ll lie on your back on an exam table while a CT scanner moves around your upper body and takes pictures from different angles. A technician will talk to you and might instruct you to hold your breath at specific times. The test is painless and takes only about five minutes.
Does a CT scan mean something serious?
The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm, although at much higher doses, there may be a small increase in your potential risk of cancer. CT scans have many benefits that outweigh any small potential risk.
How long does a CT scan of the lungs take?
Your radiographer might ask you to hold your breath at times. The scan usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
How do you prepare for a lung CT scan?
If your doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast, do not eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan. You are encouraged to drink clear liquids. You may also take your prescribed medications prior to your exam. DIABETICS : Diabetics should eat a light breakfast or lunch three hours prior to the scan time.
Do you get CT scan results immediately?
Your scan results won’t usually be available immediately. A computer will need to process the information from your scan, which will then be analysed by a radiologist (a specialist in interpreting images of the body).
How long does a CT scan take for lungs?
Is no news good news after a CT scan?
It’s a generally held aphorism that “no news is good news”. In fact the opposite should hold when it comes to healthcare. If you have had a recent scan, blood test or other kind of medical investigation, the best policy to adopt is “no news is bad news”.
How long does it take for CT results to be serious?
You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. Waiting for results can make you anxious. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.
Do you have to take your clothes off for a CT scan?
A CT scan is usually done by a radiology technologist. You may need to take off any jewelry. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes, depending on which area is studied. You may be able to wear your underwear for some scans.