Oncological balance CT scan (chest + abdomen + pelvic cavity) without contrast

Computed tomography (CT) for oncological assessment of the chest, abdomen and pelvis without administration of contrast media is an imaging examination used for a comprehensive evaluation of the organs and structures in these regions. The examination may help identify tumors, lymph node abnormalities, secondary lesions and other pathological changes.

Indications

• assessment of the extent of a known oncological disease;
• suspected tumors in the chest, abdomen or pelvis;
• detection or evaluation of secondary lesions (metastases);
• assessment of lymph nodes and other suspicious findings;
• monitoring the progression of an oncological disease;
• assessment of treatment response, as recommended by a physician;
• follow-up of patients after oncological treatment;
• other clinical situations, according to the physician’s recommendation.

Procedure

The patient lies on the CT scanner table, which moves through a special ring during the examination. The chest, abdomen and pelvis are scanned without administration of contrast media.

During the examination, it is important to remain still and, when instructed by the medical staff, hold your breath for a few seconds. The procedure is quick and painless.

Limitations

CT without contrast media may have limited ability to characterize certain lesions and vascular abnormalities, as well as to differentiate some tissues. Depending on the purpose of the examination and the medical indication, the physician may recommend CT with contrast media or other imaging examinations.

Contraindications

As the examination is performed without administration of contrast media, there are no contraindications related to the use of contrast media.

Pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, is considered a relative contraindication for CT examinations involving the abdominal and pelvic regions. The examination may be performed when the medical benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, with appropriate radiation protection measures.

If pregnancy is confirmed or suspected, it is essential to inform the medical staff before undergoing the examination.

Sources:

https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiology.215.1.r00ap1727
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/tests/imaging-tests/ct-scan-for-cancer.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2842179/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/ct-scans-fact-sheet
https://www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.11.8476

Important Note:

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have tests performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.