Thoracic CT

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

Chest CT; CT scan - lungs; CT scan - chest

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.

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: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.