Why abdominal ct scan

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Thyroid Uptake and Scan. CT Brain with or without Contrast. CT Brain Perfusion. An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area.

CT stands for computed tomography. 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.

The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted. A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple metastasis cancer that has spread in the liver of a patient with carcinoma of the large bowel.

Note the dark areas in the liver left side and center of picture. A CT scan of the middle abdomen showing a large tumor mass due to metastasis spreading cancer in abdominal lymph nodes. This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses malignant lymphomas in the area behind the peritoneal cavity retroperitoneal space.

This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows a large tumor neuroblastoma on the person's right side lower left side of picture.

The tumor is behind the liver and is pushing the liver forward and may have possibly spread into the liver tissue. A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a large cyst in the pancreas cystic adenoma of the pancreas seen on the upper right side of the picture.

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. A CT scan series of the lower abdomen showing ovarian cancer that has metastasized spread to the peritoneum. 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. The abdomen is the area of the body between the chest and pelvis. Some of the large internal organs comprised in this area are the liver, stomach, kidneys, and intestines.

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Learn about preparation, recovery…. Learn more. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions. Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Abdominal CT Scan. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Purpose CT scan vs. MRI vs. Why an abdominal CT scan is performed. CT scan vs. How to prepare for an abdominal CT scan. How an abdominal CT scan is performed. Possible side effects of an abdominal CT scan. Risks of an abdominal CT scan. After an abdominal CT scan. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. For example, tell your doctor if:. You may be asked to not eat any solid foods starting the night before your scan.

The test will not cause pain. But some people feel nervous inside the CT scanner. If a medicine to help you relax sedative or dye is used, you may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is started.

The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and give you a metallic taste in your mouth. Some people feel sick to their stomach or get a headache.

Tell the technologist or your doctor how you are feeling. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.