Overview of Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans

When CT Scans Are Used

Computerized tomography scans are used to create images of organs and structures inside a patient's body. The most common include the pelvis, soft tissues, brain, lungs, bones, abdomen, and blood vessels. These scans are highly preferred to make a clinical diagnosis of several types of cancers, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A computerized tomography scan can tell a doctor the exact size of a tumor, where it is located concerning other structures, and the extent to which it has affected neighboring tissues.

This type of scan can also tell a doctor if a patient has any bleeding, tumors, or swollen arteries in their brain. These scans can be useful when evaluating the condition of a patient's bones, identifying signs of bone disease, state of their spine, and changes in bone density. In some cases, computed tomography scans can guide a doctor when they need to do a biopsy or take a tissue sample.

Discover how to prepare for a computerized tomography scan next.