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


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.

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.




Review Date: 8/3/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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.

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