Being told you need a CT scan can feel a little unsettling, especially if you’re not sure what it is or why your doctor wants one. Most people have heard of CT scans but don’t know much about what actually happens during one, or what the results can tell a physician. This article explains it in straightforward terms so you know what to expect.
What Is a CT Scan?
CT stands for computed tomography. Where a standard X-ray captures a single flat image of a body part, a CT scanner takes a series of X-ray images from many different angles as it rotates around you. A computer then combines those images into detailed cross-sectional pictures, which are essentially thin slices through the body, that give your doctor a much more complete view of what’s going on inside.
The result is something like a detailed map of your internal anatomy. Organs, blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues all show up with a level of clarity that a regular X-ray simply cannot provide.
What Does a CT Scan Feel Like?
A CT scan is painless and relatively quick! Most scans take anywhere from a few minutes to about 15 minutes depending on what area of the body is being examined. You lie on a narrow table that slides through a large, open ring-shaped machine. Unlike an MRI, the opening is wide and the machine is not enclosed, so most people do not feel claustrophobic.
You may be asked to hold your breath briefly at certain points to keep the images sharp. If your scan requires contrast dye (a substance that helps certain structures show up more clearly) then it is typically given through a small IV. Some people notice a warm flushing sensation when the dye is injected, which is normal and passes quickly.
Why Would a Doctor Order One?
CT scans are used across a wide range of medical situations. Your doctor may have ordered one to investigate a symptom that needs a clearer explanation, to check on a known condition, or to rule something out. Common reasons include abdominal or chest pain that needs further investigation, suspected injuries to bones or internal organs, monitoring of a known condition such as a tumor or an aneurysm, evaluation of blood vessels, or pre-surgical planning where precise anatomical detail is needed.
The fact that a CT was ordered does not necessarily mean your doctor suspects something serious. In many cases it is simply the most efficient way to get a clear answer quickly.
How Does the Radiologist Read It?
After your scan, the images are sent to a radiologist, who is a physician whose entire practice is focused on interpreting medical imaging. Reading a CT scan is a methodical process. The radiologist works through the images systematically, reviewing each organ and structure within the scanned area, adjusting the image settings to examine different tissue types like bone, soft tissue, and vascular structures. Each tissue type requires different viewing settings to be seen clearly.
They are looking for anything that appears abnormal in size, shape, density, or position. They also compare what they see to what would be expected given your age, medical history, and the clinical reason for the scan. Once the review is complete, they write a detailed report describing their findings, which goes directly to your referring physician. If something requires immediate attention, the radiologist contacts your doctor directly before the report is even finalized. The radiologists at RadX average 10 to 13 years of medical education and training, and all have completed subspecialty fellowships, not to mention years of clinical practice! Meaning the physician reading your scan has spent years developing focused expertise in exactly this kind of work.
What Happens After?
Your doctor reviews the radiologist’s report and discusses the findings with you. What happens next depends entirely on what the scan shows. In many cases the results are reassuring and no further action is needed. If something does need follow-up, having the CT images gives your doctor a clear, documented starting point for next steps, whether that’s additional imaging, a referral, or treatment.
If you have questions about your results, your doctor is the right person to ask. They have the full picture of your health history and are best placed to put the imaging findings in context.
References
American College of Radiology. Patient Guide to Computed Tomography. acr.org
RadiologyInfo.org. CT — Computed Tomography of the Body. radiologyinfo.org
National Cancer Institute. Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Cancer. cancer.gov
