> Pleural Mesothelioma > Mesothelioma Diagnosis > Imaging Scans > CT Scan

Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma: CT Scans

Several medical imaging procedures may be prescribed throughout the course of a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. The CT scan is one such imaging exam and it yields some of the most detailed information about the patient’s disease and stage of the cancer.

The images provided by mesothelioma CT scans are also used to construct a treatment plan and provide a prognosis for the progression of disease. They may also be reconducted throughout the treatment program to monitor the patient’s response to therapy.

The CT Scan Procedure

CT scans are similar to X-rays in the sense that a series of images are taken throughout the procedure. CT scans, however, gather numerous images that technicians piece together for a comprehensive three-dimensional image of the inside of the body.

Some patients who undergo a pleural mesothelioma CT scan are administered an injection of dye to increase the contrast in the images. The injection may be slightly uncomfortable but generally poses no health threats. Mesothelioma CT scans are occasionally conducted at the same time as a PET scan. The results from both scans are then compared for a more in-depth understanding about what is occurring inside the body and how the cancer is developing.

Test Results

Results of a mesothelioma CT scan are generally available within a few days. A specialized doctor will then analyze the results and explain a summary of the images as well as the implications of the findings. Also known as a CAT scan or computed tomography scan, a CT scan has become one of the leadings tools for preventive medicine and screening for diseases.

Sources

1. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct&bhcp=1
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ct-scan/MY00309
3. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/MalignantMesothelioma/DetailedGuide/malignant-mesothelioma-diagnosed