ct scan report for patient

What does the CT scan report indicate?

What does the CT scan report indicate?

1. There is a polyp in left maxillary sinus. This is not a major concern.
2. Mild sinusitis is noted in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. ...
3. Minimal sinusitis is also noted in the sphenoid sinus. ...
4. The openings of the maxillary sinus called infundibulum is normal.

More items...

How do I interpret the results of a CT scan?

• Morphology
• Enhancement
• Lesions
• Ductal dilation/anatomy

How to interpret CT scan results?

To read a CT scan, start by noting the shades of white, gray, and black since dense tissues like bone will be in the white areas, air and fat show as dark gray or black, and soft tissues and fluids will read as various shades of gray.

What is detected by a CT scan?

It can detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. CT imaging uses X-ray equipment to produce images of soft tissues and bones. Combination PET/CT scans produce 3D images for more accurate diagnoses.

What is a CT scanner?

Why do doctors do CT scans?

What to do before a scan?

How long does it take to get a CT scan?

What does a head scan sound like?

Why do we need a CT scan?

What to do after a kidney scan?

See more

About this website

What is computed tomography?

Computed tomography ( CT ) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside t...

What can a person expect during a CT procedure?

During a CT procedure, the person lies very still on a table, and the table passes slowly through the center of a large donut-shaped x-ray machine....

How is CT used in cancer?

CT is used in cancer in many different ways: To screen for cancer To help diagnose the presence of a tumor To provide information about the stage...

How is CT used in cancer screening?

Studies have shown that CT can be effective in both colorectal cancer screening (including screening for large polyps ) and lung cancer screenin...

What is total, or whole-body, CT?

Total, or whole-body, CT creates pictures of nearly every area of the body—from the chin to below the hips. This procedure, which is used routinely...

What is combined PET/CT?

Combined PET/CT uses two imaging methods, CT and positron emission tomography (PET), in one procedure. CT is done first to create anatomic pict...

Is the radiation from CT harmful?

Some people may be concerned about the amount of radiation they receive during CT. CT imaging involves the use of x-rays , which are a form of...

What are the risks of CT scans for children?

Radiation exposure from CT scans affects adults and children differently. Children are considerably more sensitive to radiation than adults because...

What is being done to reduce the level of radiation exposure from CT?

In response to concerns about the increased risk of cancer associated with CT and other imaging procedures that use ionizing radiation , sever...

What is CT scan?

A CT scan is a specialised X-ray test. It can give quite clear pictures of the inside of your body. In particular, it can give good pictures of soft tissues of the body which do not show on ordinary X-ray pictures. Note: the information below is a general guide only.

What is the purpose of a CT scan?

The most commonly performed CT scan is of the brain - to determine the cause of a stroke, or to assess serious head injuries. Other uses of a CT scan include:

What type of radiation is used in a CT scan?

CT scans use X-rays, which are a type of radiation. Exposure to large doses of radiation is linked to developing cancer or leukaemia - often many years later. The dose of X-ray radiation needed for a CT scan is much more than for a single X-ray picture but is still generally quite a low dose.

How long does a CT scan take?

You will be asked to stay as still as possible, as otherwise the scan pictures may be blurred. Conventional CT scans can take between 5-30 minutes, depending on which part (or parts) of the body is being scanned.

What does CAT stand for in CT?

CAT stands for computerised axial tomography. (Sometimes the word 'computed' is used instead of 'computerised'.) The CT scanner looks like a giant thick ring. Within the wall of the scanner there is an X-ray source. Opposite the X-ray source, on the other side of the ring, are X-ray detectors.

How to prepare for a CT scan?

What preparation do I need to do before a CT scan? 1 For abdominal and pelvic scans you may be asked to have a special drink before the scan. This helps to show up the stomach and bowel more clearly. 2 For pelvic scans, some fluid may be put into your back passage (rectum). 3 For pelvic scans, women may be asked to insert a tampon into the vagina. 4 Sometimes a dye (contrast agent) is injected into the bloodstream via a vein in your arm. The dye may give you a flushing feeling and an odd taste in your mouth, which soon goes.

What is the purpose of a radiograph?

To detect abnormalities in the body, such as tumours, abscesses, abnormal blood vessels, etc, when they are suspected by symptoms or other tests. To give a surgeon a clear picture of an area of your body before certain types of surgery. To pinpoint the exact site of tumours prior to radiotherapy.

What is a CT scan?

Computed tomography ( CT) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body. It is sometimes called computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT). The term tomography comes from the Greek words tomos (a cut, a slice, or a section) and graphein ...

What is CT imaging?

CT imaging involves the use of x-rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation is known to increase the risk of cancer. Standard x-ray procedures, such as routine chest x-rays and mammography, use relatively low levels of ionizing radiation.

What is the American College of Radiology Imaging Network?

The American College of Radiology Imaging Network, which is now part of ECOG-ACRIN, performed the National CT Colonography Trial, which tested the use of CT for colorectal cancer screening, and participated in the NLST, which tested the use of CT for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals.

What is NCI research?

Researchers funded by NCI are studying ways to improve the use of CT in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. NCI also conducts and sponsors clinical trials that are testing ways to improve CT or new uses of CT imaging technology. Some of these clinical trials are run by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group.

How much radiation is needed for a low dose CT?

The estimated amount of radiation in a low-dose helical CT procedure is 1.5 mSv ( 1 ). Those who have never smoked tobacco products are considered to be at too low a risk of lung cancer to benefit from lung cancer screening.

Why do we need a combined PET and CT?

Combined PET/CT may also reduce the number of additional imaging tests and other procedures a patient needs.

What is the NCI lung screening trial?

NCI’s Patient and Physician Guide: National Lung Screening Trial provides more information on the benefits and harms. The benefits of helical CT in screening for lung cancer may vary, depending on how similar someone is to the people who participated in the NLST.

How long does it take for a radiologist to report a scan?

The radiologist reads the scan and sends the report to the referring physician. The referring physician reports the results to the patient in a few days to a week.

Why are radiologists opposed to providing their reports directly to patients?

One of the naysayers’ biggest concerns was that patients wouldn’t be able to understand the content of the reports and could easily misinterpret the results for the worst.

Why did the PA radiology society oppose the bill?

Berlin says the Pennsylvania Radiological Society, among others, opposed the bill because members feared patients wouldn’t be able to understand the reports. Taxin says there also was opposition because the complex bill was poorly written and would have been costly for radiology practices and hospitals to implement.

What is the piece of the puzzle that a radiology report is?

The radiology report is only one piece of the puzzle, and patients recognize that their doctors have the other pieces, such as medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. Their doctors are the ones who can put all the pieces together to reach a diagnosis and suggest treatment options, he says.

What would happen if you didn't understand the medical reports?

According to Johnson, the patients also said that if they didn’t understand the reports, they would take steps to have them translated into lay terms. Some said they would do their own research on the Internet; some said they would ask friends and family who were more knowledgeable about medical terms.

Do radiologists have to send mammography reports?

About three years ago, a Pennsylvania state representative proposed a bill that would require radiologists to send reports of all exams directly to patients. The representative was the friend of a lawyer who was outraged when his wife wasn’t told of her cancer findings and died, Berlin says.

Does Vanderbilt University have a serious issue with patient access?

Both referring physicians and radiologists, who had multiple concerns about patient access to reports, were reassured that no serious issues had been reported at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, which has been providing its reports directly to patients for several years.

What does it mean when a radiologist looks at an area of the body?

Sometimes an exam covers an area of the body but does not discuss any findings. This usually means that the radiologist looked but did not find any problems to tell your doctor.

What is a comparison in radiology?

Comparison. Sometimes, the radiologist will compare the new imaging exam with any available previous exams. If so, the doctor will list them here. Comparisons usually involve exams of the same body area and exam type. Example: Comparison is made to a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed August 24, 2013.

What is a biopsy?

biopsy. combining the finding with clinical symptoms or laboratory test results. comparing the finding with prior imaging studies not available when your radiologist looked at your images. For a potentially abnormal finding, the radiologist may make any of the above recommendations.

What is a radiologist?

A radiologist is a doctor who supervises these exams, reads and interprets the images, and writes a report for your doctor. This report may contain complex words and information. If you have any questions, be sure to talk to your doctor ...

Why is it important to have access to your health records?

Online access to your health records may help you make more informed decisions about your healthcare. In addition, online access lets you share your radiology reports with other doctors electronically. This may increase the safety, quality, and efficiency of your care. top of page.

Can you read a radiologist's electronic health records?

Typically, the report is sent to this doctor, who then delivers the results to you. Many patients can read their electronic health records online. Sometimes, these records include radiology reports.

What Is the CT Dose Report Sheet and Why Is It Useful?

All modern CT machines produce a sheet that contains extensive data related to the CT study. How do we interpret and use the data that this sheet contains?

Recommended Articles

Original Research. Estimating Effective Dose for CT Using Dose–Length Product Compared With Using Organ Doses: Consequences of Adopting International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 103 or Dual-Energy Scanning

What is a radiologist who orders a CT scan?

A doctor specializing in a particular field (like an orthopedist or an ENT or a neurosurgen or a urologist) orders a CT scan. Once CT releases the images to PACS the radiologist read the entire scan 1000s upon 1000s of images. The radiologist looks at everything and comments on everything.

How long does it take for a CT scan to interpret?

If inpatient in a hospital, if the ordering physician is present and your scan is a priority, you might get your results in 30 minutes. It doesn’t take long for a doctor to review a CT scan and interpret. Continue Reading.

How long does it take for a scan to be read?

But at least in the States, it’s unusual for a scan not to be read within 24 hours - unless there is an issue with that particular scan, like the need to obtain an older study done at a different institution, or a computer crash at the facility which is preventing any work from being done.

Can a doctor review a CT scan?

It doesn’t take long for a doctor to review a CT scan and interpret the results. Other medical staff should not/cannot discuss results with you unless given permission by the physician ordering the CT scan. Sid Schwab.

Can a CT scan show prostate cancer?

You might have a CT scan of your body to find out where the cancer is in the prostate and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. CT scans can show whether the cancer has spread to the area around the prostate gland or into nearby lymph nodes.

What is a CT scanner?

CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its side. You lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides through the opening into a tunnel. Straps and pillows may be used to help you stay in position. During a head scan, the table may be fitted with a special cradle that holds your head still.

Why do doctors do CT scans?

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help: Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures. Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot. Detect and monitor diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses.

What to do before a scan?

Remove metal objects, such as a belt, jewelry, dentures and eyeglasses, which might interfere with image results. Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before your scan .

How long does it take to get a CT scan?

CT scans are painless and, with newer machines, take only a few minutes. The whole process typically takes about 30 minutes.

What does a head scan sound like?

Each rotation yields several images of thin slices of your body. You may hear buzzing and whirring noises .

Why do we need a CT scan?

A CT scan has many uses, but it's particularly well-suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma.

What to do after a kidney scan?

After the scan, you'll likely be told to drink lots of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast material from your body.

Why It's Done

Risks

How You Prepare

What You Can Expect

• Your doctor may recommend a CTscan to help: 1. Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures 2. Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot 3. Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy 4. Detect and monitor diseases and co…

See more on mayoclinic.org

Results

Clinical Trials