Definition: A CT (computed tomography) scan is a special type of x-ray that creates very detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. For a CT scan, you will lie on a table that slowly moves through the center of a large x-ray machine. A CT scan is not painful but lying still on the table during the procedure may be a little uncomfortable. The scan may take 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete, depending upon the size of the area being scanned.
CT scans can be used to look at tissues and organs inside the body. It can help diagnose conditions such as:
- broken bones
- tumors
- blood clots
- heart disease
- head injury
- to see whether cancer is responding to treatment
- abdominal/pelvic pathology such as infectious complications/obstructions
Also Known As: CAT scan
