Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures the inside of the body.
The radiologist may discuss the CT scan with you right after the test. Complete results usually are ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.
| Normal: | The organs and blood vessels are normal in size, shape, and location. No blood vessels are blocked. |
|---|---|
No foreign objects (such as metal or glass fragments), growths (such as cancer), inflammation, or infection are present. | |
No bleeding or collections of fluid are present. | |
| Abnormal: | An organ is too large or too small, damaged, or infected. Cysts or abscesses are present. |
Foreign objects (such as metal or glass fragments) are present. | |
Kidney stones or gallstones are present. | |
Growths (such as tumors) are seen in the colon, lungs, ovaries, liver, bladder, kidneys, adrenal gland, or pancreas. | |
A CT scan of the chest shows a pulmonary embolism, fluid in the lungs, or infection. | |
An aneurysm is present. | |
Blockage is found in the intestines or in the bile ducts. | |
A CT of the belly shows inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis. | |
Lymph nodes are enlarged. | |
One or more blood vessels are blocked. | |
A growth, fracture, infection, or other problem is found in an arm or leg. |
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 12, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Welcome to Care Circle, an exclusive tool to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here's how it works:
The information you input is strictly private; you choose who has access to your Care Circle.
How do I add myself or someone else to my care circle?
Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.
How do I save content to my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.
How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.
How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.