A CT chest scan uses a special X-ray machine to create detailed images of your lungs, heart, blood vessels, airways, ribs, and lymph nodes. The procedure is relatively straightforward:
The CT Chest Scan Procedure
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Positioning: You'll lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner, a large donut-shaped machine. Pillows and straps will help you remain still during the scan to ensure clear images. [Source: What Is a Chest CT Scan?]
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The Scan: The X-ray machine rotates around you, taking multiple images from different angles. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the scan. The entire scan takes only 30 seconds to a few minutes. [Source: Chest CT Scan; CT Scan of the Chest: About This Test; UCSF Health Chest CT]
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Image Processing: A computer then processes these X-rays to create cross-sectional images (slices) of your chest. These images allow doctors to view the structures within your chest in detail. [Source: Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Chest | Johns Hopkins]
Why is a CT Chest Scan Done?
A CT scan of the chest helps diagnose various conditions, including:
- Infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis. [Source: CT (CAT) Scan: Chest (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth]
- Lung Cancer: Detecting tumors and assessing their size and location. [Source: CT Scan of the Chest: About This Test; CT Scan | American Lung Association]
- Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying blood clots in the lungs. [Source: CT Scan of the Chest: About This Test]
- Other Chest Conditions: Assessing injuries, inflammation, or other diseases affecting the lungs, heart, blood vessels, or airways. [Source: Chest CT Scan; Chest CT Scan - St Vincent's Lung Health]
- Pre-operative staging for certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer [Source: Preoperative Staging with Chest CT in Patients with Colorectal...]
A CT chest scan may be used when other tests like X-rays or physical exams provide inconclusive results. [Source: Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Chest | Johns Hopkins]
