---
title: "CT Scan"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/ct-scan/
description: "Computed axial tomography (also known as \"CT scan\" or \"CAT scan\") combines x-rays and computer processing to make very detailed images. It can clearly..."
---

# CT Scan

Computed axial tomography (also known as "CT scan" or "CAT scan") combines x-rays and computer processing to make very detailed images. It can clearly show tissues and organs. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film.

Archived from the 2022 edition

## Overview

A CT scan can show differences between solids and liquids. It helps find tumors, masses, stones, and cysts. Sometimes special dyes are injected to make the images sharper. The 3-D images produced by CT scans can also help a surgeon plan for surgery.

A CT scan works by using very small, controlled beams of x-rays that pass through your body as they spin in a circle around you. Thousands of x-ray images are collected within one scan. This data is collected in seconds, with no gap between the images. The computer puts the data together to produce complete and detailed pictures. The computer is used to make a 3-D picture of your body.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- Procedure
- Risks
- More Information
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Tests, Imaging and Procedures

- [Angiography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/angiography/)
- [Biopsy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/biopsy/)
- [Complete Blood Count (CBC)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/complete-blood-count-(cbc)/)
- [Contrast and Radionuclide Cystography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/contrast-and-radionuclide-cystography/)
- [Cystometry](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystometry/)
- [Cystoscopy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystoscopy/)
- [Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/magnetic-resonance-imaging-(mri)/)
- [Ultrasound Imaging](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/u/ultrasound-imaging/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/c/ct-scan/**
- Edition**2022 edition**
- Group**Tests, Imaging and Procedures**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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