What is the likelihood of a Ct scan missing a brain tumor?
Q. Hi, I am 20 years old and since january I have had horrible neck pain and headaches. In march I finally went and got I CT scan and everything came back normal. I know that MRIs are one of the best imaging test, but what about CT scans? My headaches have settled down a little bit and they are not as frequent, but Im still worried. Could a Ct scan miss a brain tumor?
Asked by Becca - Tue Nov 10 20:15:19 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Some tumors such as meningiomas can easily be missed on CT, as their density is nearly identical to gray matter. I doubt that contrast was given for the CT. If your symptoms persist, an MRI would be warranted.
Answered by Josh - Sun Nov 15 10:39:26 2009

How long does it take for the radiation from CT scan to have harmful effect?
Q. We know CT scan poses cancer risk due to radiation. How many years after the scan would it take for the harm to show up?
Asked by me - Wed Dec 16 11:05:08 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You'd die of old age before you will die from any affect from a CT scan.
Answered by sangiorgio2003 - Wed Dec 16 11:22:42 2009

How is barium sulfate eliminated from the body after a CT scan?
Q. Drank 500 ml 1% barium sulfate for a CT scan. I have drank over the required 4 cups of water. How is the barium sulfate eliminated? Does it all come out in a bowel movement? Is some of it absorbed by the body? How long does it take to leave the body? If I don't have a bowel movement soon, should I take a laxative?
Asked by Marlie S - Fri Mar 28 20:02:23 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It will be eliminated during bowel movements. They should have given you a stool softener. It will come out as little white rock like substances. You may just notice your stool being white. Not always pleasant and easier if you have taken a stool softener. A laxative may make cramping worse. There are softener available over the counter at most drug stores like Walgreens. You may feel constipated for a day, but eventually, they will pass. Keep drinking the water.
Answered by researcher - Fri Mar 28 20:12:58 2008

How often is it safe to have a CT scan for kidney stones?
Q. I had a CT scan for repeated abnormal urinary tract cultures on 11-13-2008. The scan showed that I have kidney stones (small) and I have been drinking 2 to 3 qts. of water a day plus cranberry juice. I am reluctant to have another one done unless enough time has lapsed. Does anyone have information on safe intervals between scans.
Asked by billie_jean462 - Sat Jan 31 10:23:19 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The time between scans is not important. Any damage done by the Xrays will not heal with more time. The dangerous part of CT scans is the amount a radiation you receive ... and then its just damage to the DNA of cells that is important. If the DNA is damaged the cell will die or mutate (most likely die). This will happen within days ... time is not a factor. If you are not having pain from your kidney stones, and they were small to begin with, you may have passed them out already. I would not get another scan unless you have symptoms (pain) Drinking a lot of water is good for you whether you have kidney stones or not. So just keep drinking water .. :-)
Answered by namasata - Sat Jan 31 22:10:17 2009

Why does the CT scan detect different shades?
Q. If the CT scan emits X-rays, why are there different shades in the image since X-ray can penetrate through everything expect bone? Why isn't the CT scan another X-ray machine? What sets them apart as to their energy modalities.
Asked by Fan G - Mon Oct 29 18:20:23 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. A CT scanner IS an x-ray machine. It just uses and detects x-rays in a different manner than plain films. There are different shades because different types of tissues interact with x-rays differently. These differences can be detected and displayed as different shades on the computer. BTW, to be completely correct, x-rays can penetrate through bone.
Answered by dwp_hornblower - Mon Oct 29 20:50:50 2007

If I get a CT scan for my sinuses will it also detect a brain tumor?
Q. Sounds crazy but I have sinus headaches along with a big bump on the top of my head. Whenever my sinus hurt that bump hurts also, pressure I guess. Will the CT scan determine something wrong with my brain?
Asked by John Justin Garcia - Sat May 10 12:46:03 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If they look for it it will. Tell the Dr about the lump and ask him/her to check it out as well.
Answered by Kim B - Sat May 10 13:01:50 2008

How good is a CT scan at finding brain tumours?
Q. Would a CT scan pick up on the start of a brain tumour for example if it was on its way from one part of the body to the other if the CT scan is clear how likely is it that something is wrong?
Asked by atticusblack19 - Sat Jul 19 16:20:59 2008 - - 12 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If the growth if big enough to be detected, the yes CT/MRI scans are very beneficial
Answered by Rhianna - Sun Jul 20 19:02:16 2008

How much does a ct scan usually cost out of pocket if you have insurance?
Q. I might have to get a CT scan of my foot later today and I was wondering how much i should expect to pay out of pocket. I am going to a doctor in Houston, TX and I am covered by Aetna
Asked by jen - Fri Apr 18 13:11:58 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well it depends - If your insurance requires authorization for diagnostic testing and they don't have the auth when you go then you might have to sign a form saying that if they don't get the auth then you would be responsible for the charges (A CT scan can be anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 dollars.) However if your insurance does not require auth and is contracted with that facility then you don't pay a dime. I know it sounds confusing but that's how it works. Good Luck! I work in the radiology department in a hospital so I do this everyday.
Answered by psyflops_gazelle - Fri Apr 18 13:25:06 2008

Is there an inexpensive way to get an abdominal CT scan?
Q. I am a Navy recruiter. An applicant needs to be cleared of kidney stones by abdominal CT scan before he can enlist. He doesn't have insurance right now. How can he get a CT scan without paying over a thousand dollars?
Asked by Adam - Tue Nov 4 10:39:21 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. He should get overseas and do it there or Mr. Recruiter can do it inside the recruiting office! Insurance is a pain.
Answered by xldggiptolwtfx - Tue Nov 4 10:48:56 2008

What would cause an elevated Lipase blood test, but normal CT scan of pancreas?
Q. I have an elevated Lipase test for pancreatitis, but my CT scan results were normal of the pancreas. What would cause elevated lipase? What diseases cause elevated lipase?
Asked by Blank - Sun Jun 29 12:43:17 2008 - - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. "Peaches" is correct. When a doctor orders a test, it is the responsibility of that doctor to explain the results. An elevated lipase must be evaluated in the context of your medical history, physical examination, and many other parameters such as your blood tests for renal (kidney) function, liver function, the complete blood count (CBC), and usually a serum amylase which is often done with the serum lipase. We need all of this information - which your doctor has. If you have obtained your own lab results - fine, but make sure you discuss these results when you see you physician - - and make sure you pay attention. I always recommend having a friend or family member along when I explained these things to patients. An extra set of… [cont.]
Answered by Spreedog - Sun Jun 29 14:42:49 2008

What could a mass found on a lung during a ct-scan be?
Q. My sister recently had e-coli poisoning and went in for a ct-scan to make sure there was no damage to her intestines. They found a black mass on her lung and nodules on her liver. What could this be? Cancer? A cyst?
Asked by Rue - Thu Jul 30 18:28:13 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I know it can be extremely scary. I would like to share with you three similar instances: a)A year ago I had a cat scan and afterwards two pet scans. Everyone who I knew told me that it was definitely Lymphoma, and Thank GD it was not. b)I have a relative who had something strange appear on a lung scan. It ended up being sometihng called a lymph hemangioma a kind of benign growth. c)I had a neighbor who scans showed something on the lung. The radiologist was sure that it was some kind of lung tumor. When he went for a second opinion, the Dr found it to be sarcoidosis. My only two cents is - get someone very knowledgeable in this area.
Answered by Shaul - Fri Jul 31 04:13:15 2009

How much will a ct scan of the brain with contrast cost me?
Q. I need to get a ct scan of my brain with contrast. I was told by my insurance company that they will not cover because it is pre-existing. Why do i have insurance again? Anyway, i will go through the insurance company and will end up with the bill. How much does a typical ct scan of the brain cost?
Asked by Brad F - Thu Jul 26 17:36:38 2007 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I work at a free standing imaging center in Northern California. We charge $1250 for a brain CT with contrast. But, prices will vary greatly, not only from state to state but within the same region. The hospital in the same town I work in charges almost double what we do. I would definately call around and price quotes or estimates. If you call a hospital, make sure you get both fees. There is a professional fee (which the radiologist charges for reading your study) and a technical fee (the cost of performing the study). Many free standing imaging centers incorporate this into one fee, but be sure to ask. You are preaching to the choir regarding health insurance! I feel for you...Best wishes...
Answered by Lissacal - Fri Jul 27 16:09:22 2007

My husband had an ultrasound of his pancreas now they want a ct scan. Shoould we be scared?
Q. About 2 weeks ago the doctors did an ultrasound of my husband pancreas because he has problems with low sugar, passing out, and extremely weak spells. Now they want to do a ct scan. Should we be scared.
Asked by Tiffany W - Mon Jan 28 15:25:29 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Your husband may have hypoglycemia or pre diabetes, it sounds like the Dr. is being through, don't worry until you have the results and can do whatever needs to be done after the fact...
Answered by rgs3girls - Mon Jan 28 15:29:28 2008

What should be the ideal wall thickness for a CT Scan Room ?
Q. I just wanted to know this as many speculate about the ideal wall thickness of a CT Scan Room for radiation safety. Where can i get the norms for CT scan room construction design?
Asked by arsh - Fri Nov 30 23:08:40 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I don't think there is a thickness of a wall, but the certain thickness of lead that lines the wall. This blocks the radiation from getting to the employee's. Go to it is a report on lead in these rooms, it's 14 pages though.
Answered by Kellisue - Fri Nov 30 23:29:19 2007

how reliable is ovarian cance that is being detected when you have a CT scan and ultrsound?
Q. I other words can ovarian cancer be tetected on the CT scan and ultrasound? I heard it is hard to diagnose. Can it come up a cyst? Becasue I have unulual fluid in my right ovarie, and needs further tests. Now I just want to know can cysts show up on the scan that could be cancer? They said a small amount of non specific free fluid was seen in the Pouch of Douglas. So my right overie is bigger than my left one. Please help me here. I have an appointment to go back to the doctors on Thursday next week, and a gyni appointment next month. I have PMT cramps everyday, and indigestion, and bloated so bad, and lower back pain. So are these scans reliable to pick up ovarian cancer? If not can they just show up some abnormality like a cyst?
Asked by lion of judah - Thu Aug 30 10:44:34 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The CT and the ultrasound show abnormalities in the ovaries and the areas around. Sometimes the results are very clear: 'It's a cyst and don't worry about it, but we should remove it.' Or: 'This really looks like cancer, we need to remove it and make sure." Sometimes the results show cysts and masses that aren't that easy to define-they are more complex than just a simple cyst, they have other features, They look like they could be cancer, but not for sure, they are more dense, less dense, too big, too small to be easily classified. In those cases they will want to do more testing. It the radiologist who reads the films thinks that something looks cancerous he/she will ususally add line in that says something like "suspicious for… [cont.]
Answered by SLC Mom - Thu Aug 30 11:33:54 2007

How CT scan works?Can anyone give me a web page about it?
Q. I'm doing a project regarding to it. Help is needed to get the specific information about how ct-scan works.
Asked by Scandium - Tue Feb 21 04:19:11 2006 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels with great clarity. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Got to the web site below for more details.
Answered by milindbajekal - Tue Feb 21 04:27:02 2006

Would a regular CT scan of the head show an anyresum?
Q. I had a horrible headache last week and had a CT scan without a dye contrast. Would a ct without dye contrast show an anyresum if there was one? It's been a week and I still have the headache. With my results being normal from the CT should I rest easy?
Asked by Freckles - Thu May 21 02:32:09 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. No. It would show if an aneurysm has burst, but not if it was still there. The above answer is useful, but doesn't consider the additional cost and availability of MRI - it's very expensive, and not available everywhere. While it's the gold standard of tests for a Circle of Willis (COW) aneurysm, it's not the only accurate method of determining if they're there. A CTA (Computed Tomography Angiogram) of the head will also show any aneurysm present. It requires a intravenous iodinated contrast injection, but is different to a regular post-contrast CT of the brain, which is used to detect space occupying lesions. From the patient's point of view, the exam is the same (lie there, scan, injection, scan), but a CTA uses smaller slices and… [cont.]
Answered by ausrad - Sun May 24 02:59:35 2009

Is it safe to get a contrast dye Ct scan when you are pregnant?
Q. My OB referred me to a cardiologist because of an enlargement of my aorta spotted on a routine ultrasound. The cardiologist scheduled for me to have a CT scan with the contrast, an ultrasound and echo cardiogram. I am 9 1/2 weeks pregnant. History of aortic aneurysms run in my father's side of the family.
Asked by Jennifer D - Wed Mar 18 22:19:43 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. We try not to do any x-ray procedures on anyone pregnant. However sometimes we need to...If your Aorta were to rupture you and your baby can die. I would ask if you can maybe have a Aorta ultrasound. Or at least wait till 20 weeks to have the CAT scan becuase The older the fetus the better it can deal with the affects of radiation.
Answered by Mike G - Wed Mar 18 22:36:58 2009

My boyfriend is only 25 and he had a ct scan and they found 3 spots on his liver?
Q. My boyfriend has had pain on and off for 8 months in his lower abdomen above his pelvis and lower back. He had a ct scan that was clear and had another one 8 months later. They found 3 spots on his liver that were in a row. He has an ultra sound appt that is coming up. Should he be worried about the spots?
Asked by B - Sun Dec 20 22:32:41 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

What can they tell from a Ct scan on your brain?
Q. My b/f is having a CT scan tomorrow, what can they tell you just by scaaning the brain? he is having one due to poor memory and his hands shake a lot of the time.
Asked by suedette - Sun Oct 21 18:24:01 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The CT scan can show most all imperfections of the brain as like a tumor, blockage ( stroke ) if there is a brain bleed. It could tell is damage is done to part of the brain due to lack of oxygen. Don't loose faith his problems could be something as a blood imbalance.
Answered by Medic 21 - Sun Oct 21 19:03:58 2007