CT scan
Show Alternative Names
CAT scan
Computed axial tomography scan
Computed tomography scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdominal and pelvis CT scanCranial or head CT scanCervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine CT scanOrbit CT scanChest CT scanCT angiogram
CT scan
CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the physician.
Illustration
CT scan of the brain
A CT or CAT scan (computed tomography) is a much more sensitive imaging technique than x-ray, allowing high definition not only of the bony structures, but of the soft tissues. Clear images of organs such as the brain, muscles, joint structures, veins and arteries, as well as anomalies like tumors and hemorrhages may be obtained with or without the injection of contrasting dye.
Illustration
Intracerebellar hemorrhage - CT scan
Intracerebellar hemorrhage shown by CT scan. This hemorrhage followed use of t-PA.
Illustration
Pulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scan
This CT scan shows a single lesion (pulmonary nodule) in the right lung. This nodule is seen as the light circle in the upper portion of the dark area on the left side of the picture. A normal lung would look completely black in a CT scan.
Illustration
Spleen and liver metastases – CT scan
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows multiple tumors in the liver and spleen that have spread (metastasized) from an original intestinal cancer (carcinoma).
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Pancreatic cancer, CT scan
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a tumor (pancreas carcinoma) in the head of the pancreas, seen here in the middle of the picture.
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Bronchial cancer - CT scan
This chest CT scan shows a cross-section of a person with bronchial cancer. The two dark areas are the lungs. The light areas within the lungs represent the cancer.
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Adrenal metastases - CT scan
This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows an adrenal metastasis (spreading of a tumor to the adrenal gland, above the kidney) in a person with lung cancer.
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Fatty liver - CT scan
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a fatty liver (steatosis of the liver). Note the liver enlargement and dark color compared with the spleen (gray body in lower right).
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Hepatocellular cancer - CT scan
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a widespread (disseminated) carcinoma of the liver (hepato cellular carcinoma). The liver is the large organ on the left side of the picture. Note the moth-eaten appearance.
Illustration
Review Date:
7/5/2022+
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