A computed tomography scan (CT scan), also called computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan), is a type of imaging test. It uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to take cross-sectional pictures of the body. CT scans give doctors more detailed images than X-rays can provide. Unlike X-rays, they can show organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels in addition to bones.
CT scans are painless. A CT scan involves more exposure to radiation than a regular X-ray does, but the risk is small.
A chest CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs, and lymph nodes.
A person getting a CT scan lies on a table. A pillow and straps hold them in place to prevent movement that would result in a blurry image. The donut-shaped machine circles the body, taking pictures to provide cross-sections of the chest from various angles. These pictures are sent to a computer that records the images. It also can put them together to form 3D images.
A chest CT scan can find signs of inflammation, infection, injury or disease of the lungs, breathing passages (bronchi), heart, major blood vessels, lymph nodes , and esophagus.
If you have questions about the chest CT scan or what the test results mean, talk to your doctor.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date Reviewed: Feb 15, 2022
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