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Testing: Computer (Assisted) Tomography (CT)

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CT Stands for Computerized Tomography scan; once called Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT scan). 

CT produces pictures of various parts of your body by taking multiple x-ray images. A CT scanner consists of a large doughnut shaped machine with a table that the patient lies on. 

Image of technician, patient, and CT machine

A technician views the CT scan of the patient in the next room

How safe is a CT Scan? Advise the scanning staff if you think you might be pregnant - because the x-rays may harm fetal development.  Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid CT scans unless there is a health risk to the mother.

What will I experience during the CT examination?

You will most likely be lying on a special table that moves through the center of the x-ray source.  Many patients will be given an IV (injection in their arm) of a substance that improves certain types of pictures. This substance, called a contrast agent, is often iodine and can cause problems in some people.  If there is a sensitivity to the iodine contrast the scanning facility may use an alternate contrast.  

What are the uses and advantages of a CT scan other types of scans?

CT scanners are good at looking at the bony parts of the body than MRI scans

Similar Tests

MRI, gallium scans, and the newer PET scans may provide similar data on disease when compared to CT scans. 


CT Resources and References


For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :

For more information on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :

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This page is a work in progress. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions.

CT Image courtesy of NCI www.cancer.gov

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Updated
November 24, 2005