Why do I need a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis?
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is needed when your healthcare provider wants information about the internal organs and structures in your stomach and lower abdominal area. CT scans are fast and give much more detailed information than a plain x-ray would. Some reasons your provider might order a CT of the abdomen and pelvis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Guidance during a biopsy in the abdominal or pelvic area
- Planning for or follow up after abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Cancer care for tumors in the abdominal or pelvic area
After a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, your healthcare provider could find things like:
- Appendicitis
- Infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Pancreatitis, and inflammation of the pancreas
- Cancers
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
How do you prepare for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis?
Preparing for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is easy.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Make sure there isn’t any metal on your clothing like belt buckles and zippers.
- You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- Your scan may be ordered with or without contrast. If it is without contrast, you can eat and drink normally before the test. Avoid eating for at least three hours before the exam for tests with contrast. Your test center should give you specific instructions.
- Tell the radiology staff if you have any medication allergies or if you could be pregnant.
Contrast dye might be given during the CT scan to help see certain areas better. Contrast can be given through an intravenous infusion, or you might be asked to drink liquid contrast. If you are given IV contrast, you might feel warm or flushed when it is given. Some people also get a metallic taste or burning sensation in their mouth. These effects do not last for long before going away.
How long does a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis take?
CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis are very quick. They usually take between 15-30 minutes to complete. If your exam requires contrast, it could take a little longer.
What is the difference between an abdominal and pelvis CT scan?
The difference between an abdominal and pelvis CT scan has to do with the area seen in the images. An abdominal scan spans from the top of the diaphragm to the top of the hip bones. A pelvic CT scan will cover the top of the hip bones through the entire pelvis. Usually, the two areas are combined into one procedure.
What does a CT scan of the pelvic area show?
A CT scan of the pelvic area will show images of the organs and structures inside the pelvic cavity. These include:
- Urinary bladder
- Prostate gland
- Reproductive organs, both male and female
- Lymph nodes
- Small intestine
- Colon
- Hip and pelvic bones
What cancers can an abdominal CT scan detect?
Cancer that might be found during an abdominal CT scan include:
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the adrenal glands
- Cancers that have spread to the abdominal area from somewhere else
If your CT scan shows concern for cancer, you might also need a biopsy or other tests to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
