Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

1 2 5 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X

CT scan Thyroid cancer - CT scan Pulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scan Lung mass, right upper lobe - CT scan Bronchial cancer - CT scan Lung mass, right lung - CT scan Lung nodule, right lower lung - CT scan Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan Vertebra, thoracic (mid back) Normal lung anatomy

Overview Risks Results

Thoracic CT

Alternative Names: Chest CT; CT scan - lungs; CT scan - chest What the risks are: CT scans and other x-rays are regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. During pregnancy, a thoracic CT scan is not recommended unless the benefits outweigh the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus. CT scans provide low levels of radiation. Text Continues Below The most common dye used is iodine-based. A person who is allergic to iodine may experience nausea, vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives, and occasionally anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic response ). In people with kidney problems, the dye may have toxic effects on the kidneys. Special considerations: The benefits of a CT scan usually far outweigh the risks. A CT scan is one of the best ways of looking at soft tissues such as the heart and lungs.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.