What is a pelvic or abdominal computerized axial tomography scan?
• A computerized axial tomography scan is also called a CT scan or a CAT scan. A pelvic CT scan takes pictures of your pelvis (the area between your hips). An abdominal CT takes pictures of your abdomen. A CT scan uses x-rays to look at bones, muscles, body organs, and blood vessels. Each picture, also called a slice, shows a few layers of your body tissue on a computer or TV-like screen. Your caregiver may do a CT scan of your abdomen and your pelvis at the same time. • A CT scan may help your caregiver find out about a medical problem or disease. Your caregiver may use your CT results to help plan treatment, which may help you heal. Your caregiver also may use a CT scan to show problems caused by your condition, disease, or treatment. Why may I need a CT scan of my pelvis or abdomen? • Your caregiver may use a CT to look for causes of pain in your pelvis or abdomen. A CT scan may show if you have a broken bone, such as your hip. Your caregiver may do a CT scan to look for conditions
