Computed Tomography of the Pelvis
- What is a CT scan of the pelvis?
- Why might my doctor recommend a CT of my pelvis?
- How should I prepare for my CT of the pelvis?
- What type of equipment is used for a CT of the pelvis?
- How does a CT of the pelvis work?
- Will I experience pain during a CT of my pelvis?
- How will I get the test results for a CT of my pelvis?
What is a CT scan of the pelvis?
A CT scan of the pelvis is a type of scan that uses special equipment to take pictures of your pelvis from different angles. These pictures are fed into a computer, which combines them to produce a series of cross sections or slices through the part of the pelvis being scanned. This creates a very detailed picture of the pelvis.
Why might my doctor recommend a CT of my pelvis?
Your doctor might recommend a CT scan of the pelvis to help detect or rule out several conditions, including:
- Cysts
- Abscesses
- Infection
- Tumors
- Aneurysms
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Foreign objects
- Bleeding into the abdominal cavity
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Appendicitis
- Cancer in the abdominal organs or lymph nodes.
How should I prepare for my CT of the pelvis?
To prepare for a CT scan we recommend you dress comfortably. Also, avoid any clothing that contains metal objects such as, snaps and zippers that can affect the CT image. You will not be asked to wear a gown unless the technician feels your clothing could affect the results of the scan. Depending on your individual scan, you may be asked to drink contrast before you arrive. Contrast material is a dye that makes your organs and blood vessels more visible when you are scanned. After the scan you should drink plenty of liquids to help flush the contrast out of your system.
What type of equipment is used for a CT of the pelvis?
The CT scanner is a specialized machine that looks like a large doughnut. You will lay on a movable table that goes in and out of the center of the machine. Most CT studies use an advanced unit called a spiral CT that records a large number of pictures in a short time.
How does a CT of the pelvis work?
A CT of the pelvis requires that you lie flat on your back. A rotating device spins around your body creating a beam of X-rays. A detector takes snapshots of the beam after it passes through your body and a powerful computer program then processes the images and displays them in different ways for examination. During the scan you will be asked to hold your breast for 30-40 seconds. The technician will communicate with you throughout the procedure, but will need to leave the room briefly to run the computer. A radiologist then reviews the images to look at the area in question. The scan will take about 5-10 minutes and the entire experience should last not more than 30 minutes.
Will I experience pain during a CT of my pelvis?
No, CT scanning is a painless procedure. If contrast material is used, you may feel flushed or get a metallic taste in your mouth, usually lasting no more than a minute or two. In rare cases, you may experience other side effects. Contact the CT technologist or your doctor if these occur or if you have questions about the use of contrast.
How will I get the test results for a CT of my pelvis?
When your CT exam is complete, you may return to work or other normal activity. Our board-certified radiologists will read your exam, and the results will be reported to your referring physician within 24 hours.
