CT Scan
Also known as: CAT scan, computed tomography
A detailed X-ray scan that builds cross-sectional images of the body.
Definition
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays taken from many angles, processed by a computer into detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It is one of the most widely used tests in oncology — for finding tumours, measuring their size, checking for spread to lymph nodes or other organs, and assessing response to treatment.
Many oncology CT scans use an iodine-based contrast dye, given by mouth or by injection, to make blood vessels and organs stand out more clearly. The scan itself takes only a few minutes and is painless. For more functional information, a CT may be combined with a PET scan as a PET-CT.
See also
- PET-CT — A combined scan that shows both the structure and the metabolic activity of tissues.
- MRI — A scan that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues.
- Ultrasound — A safe scan that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of organs and lumps.
- Staging — The process of finding out how large a cancer is and whether it has spread.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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