What is a pelvic CT scan used for?
Doctors use pelvic CT scans to detect diseases in your internal organs in the area between your hip bones. The CT scan takes a series of X-ray images and compiles them to render a detailed 3D image of your pelvic region.
CT scans of your pelvis take images of the organs, blood vessels, and connective tissues in your lower abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic CT scans are also used to detect problems in your lymph nodes and bones located in this area of your body.
How do you prepare for a pelvic CT scan?
Prepare for your pelvic CT scan by wearing comfortable clothing. You can’t wear metal while receiving your scan, so you’ll need to remove your belt and any jewelry. You may want to leave valuable jewelry at home.
Some CT scans require a contrast dye, and you may be asked to drink a solution, or you’ll receive an IV containing the contrast. The dye helps highlight areas of the body being examined by the scan by showing up white on the images, better emphasizing your blood vessels and organs. If contrast material is necessary, you may need to abstain from eating or drinking for several hours before your CT scan.
Your CT scan typically takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be lying on a table the entire time. The table will move into the CT scanner to capture the series of images. The technician will tell you to hold your breath for short periods, about 10 to 15 seconds, during the scans so they can get clear images.
What organs does a CT scan of the pelvis show?
A CT scan of your pelvis shows your colon and small intestines, your bladder, and your reproductive organs. For men, the scan also shows their prostate. The images from the CT scan let your doctor check for inflammation, abscesses, and infections in your organs and tissues.
Can a pelvic CT scan detect cancer?
Yes, a pelvic CT can detect cancer’s size, shape, and location in your pelvis. The images can detect cancerous tumors and monitor the growth of your tumors during cancer treatment.
A pelvic CT scan can detect many forms of cancer, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Prostate and testicular cancer in men
- Ovarian and cervical cancer in women
Your doctor may have you undergo a pelvic CT if they suspect cancer. You’ll also receive pelvic CT scans during cancer treatment to gauge the success of the medications based on the size of your tumor.
How small of a tumor can a CT scan detect?
A CT scan is highly sensitive and can detect tumors as small as 3 mm in diameter. CT scans are great tools for finding tumors and diagnosing cancers early when they’re more treatable. The scans also provide detailed images, making it easier to detect tumors than other forms of imaging.
Why does a doctor order a pelvic CT scan?
Your doctor may order a pelvic CT scan if you’re experiencing pain in your pelvic region or have suffered a pelvic injury. Doctors also use pelvic CT scans to find the correct placement during a biopsy and remove fluids or abscesses.
You may also need a pelvic CT if you’re undergoing treatment for cancer occurring in an organ or the tissues in your pelvis.
What are the side effects of having a CT scan?
All CT scans use small amounts of radiation to take images. CT scans expose you to higher levels of radiation than you’d receive from an X-ray. There is a risk of developing cancer after receiving a large number of CT scans, but the risk from one or two scans is minimal. You’ll feel no adverse side effects after your CT scan.
