How long cat scan results

My own experience is that unless they are flagged as urgent my consultants don't read them until just before my appointment takes place. Despite media hyperbole, Winter pressures don't have too much impact on out patient appointments such as Oncology. Bed-blockers have no impact unless people are referred to in-patients and ED is a distinct specialty needing a specific skillset makng it difficult to transfer staff from other departments.

I know this is all a bit scary but i would try and get on with life as normal as possible unti you get to see your oncologist.

It took 2 or 3 weeks for my results to get to my oncologist and that was without it being over the Christmas period.. Good luck. Stay positive. Thank you for your kind advice! I will continue as normal. Sorry to hear you've also been through some stress - I wish you the best.

It's pretty nerve-wracking, even though I know that the consultant was only being thorough in ordering the scan. However, I had prostate cancer some 7 years ago and afterwards I discovered this useful little video. Watch the whole thing first time, then skip to 2 minutes in on subsequent occasions.

It's a brief moment well 60 seconds of calm for when your brain wants to explode:. Hi new to this had ct scan almost 5 weeks ago not been reported on yet had triple negative mets to node had 2 clear scans so far. Hi - chase them up by phone and badger them and explain that the delay is causing you stress and that it IS a cancer referral and not a routine CT scan.

My own Trust used to report on routine CT scans within ten days but currently can take far longer due to worsening staff shortages across the NHS. I was diagnosed with Invasive breast cancer August following wide excision and removal of sentinel node.

It was 4 weeks before getting results and I was advised to have dissection of all axillary nodes. I asked what happens following things and was told staging!!! I asked for a CT scan before 2nd lot of sugery. This was done 6. Almost 5 weeks later when I went for results of axillary node dissection I was informed 9 positive lymph nodes. Following family intervention the scan was reported on the following day.

It showed extensive bone metastasis to spine, pelvis,sternum. Still waiting for a bone scan. The table you lie on may feel hard, and the room may be cool. It may be hard to lie still during the test.

Some people feel nervous inside the CT scanner. If a medicine to help you relax sedative or dye contrast material is used, an IV is usually put in your hand or arm. You may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is started.

The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and give you a metallic taste in your mouth. Some people feel sick to their stomachs or get a headache. Tell the technologist or your doctor how you are feeling.

The chance of a CT scan causing a problem is small. A computed tomography CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside the body. Complete results usually are ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days. The organs and blood vessels are normal in size, shape, and location. No blood vessels are blocked. No foreign objects such as metal or glass fragments , growths such as cancer , inflammation, or infection are present. An organ is too large or too small, damaged, or infected.

Abscesses are present. Kidney stones or gallstones are present. Growths such as tumours are seen in the colon, lungs, ovaries , liver, bladder , kidneys , adrenal gland , or pancreas. A CT scan of the chest shows a pulmonary embolism , fluid in the lungs, or infection. An aneurysm is present. Blockage is found in the intestines or in the bile ducts. A CT of the belly shows inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis.

Lymph nodes are enlarged. The following may stop you from having the test or may change the test results:. Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Test Overview A computed tomography CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. Chest thorax. A CT scan of the chest can look for problems with the lungs, the heart, the esophagus , or the major blood vessel aorta or the tissues in the centre of the chest.

Some common chest problems a CT scan may find include infection, lung cancer , a pulmonary embolism , and an aneurysm.

It also can be used to see if cancer has spread into the chest from another area of the body. A CT scan of the abdomen can find cysts , abscesses , infection, tumours, an aneurysm, enlarged lymph nodes , foreign objects, bleeding in the belly, diverticulitis , inflammatory bowel disease , and appendicitis.

Urinary tract. This type of scan can find kidney stones , bladder stones, or blockage of the urinary tract. A special type of CT scan, called a CT intravenous pyelogram IVP , uses injected dye contrast material to look for kidney stones, blockage, growths, infection, or other diseases of the urinary tract.

A CT scan can find liver tumours, bleeding from the liver, and liver diseases. A CT scan of the liver can help determine the cause of jaundice. A CT scan can find a tumour in the pancreas or inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis. Gallbladder and bile ducts. A CT scan can be used to check for blockage of the bile ducts. Gallstones occasionally show up on a CT scan. But other tests, such as ultrasound , usually are used to find problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts.

Adrenal glands. A CT scan can find tumours or enlarged adrenal glands. A CT scan can be used to check for an injury to the spleen or the size of the spleen. A CT scan can look for problems of organs in the pelvis.

For a woman, these include the uterus , ovaries , and fallopian tubes. For a man, the pelvic organs include the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. Arm or leg. A CT scan can look for problems of the arms or legs, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes. Have a heart condition, such as heart failure. Have diabetes. Take metformin. You may have to adjust your medicine for a day before and after the test. Have had kidney problems. Leave jewelry and valuables at home.

Be sure to let your physician know before your scheduled appointment if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or are nursing a baby. Depending on the type of scan, you may be given contrast dye before your scan. The scanning machine is a long tube with a table that slides in and out.

During the exam, you will lie on the table with your arms over your head. The machine is open on both ends, so you can see out as you lie inside.

If you dislike enclosed spaces, talk to your doctor about taking a mild sedative before the procedure to help you stay calm. During the scan, it is important to hold as still as possible. This will help your technician generate accurate images. The images from a CT scan show excellent soft tissue detail.

There are usually no restrictions placed on you when the procedure is complete. You may eat, drive and go on with your day as normal. Express any concerns beforehand with your technician, and your provider will do their best to ensure you feel comfortable during the scan. The intravenous dye may cause an initial, mild burning sensation, a metallic taste in your mouth or a warm body flush that will disappear quickly.

Occasionally, mild reactions to the dye are experienced as a rash or itchiness. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had any reaction to contrast materials.