CT Scan

Offering Advanced CT in Southeastern MA & RI

A CT scan (or CAT scan) is an advanced X-ray test that produces layered and 3D images of a body area. CT scans are a quick, accurate way for our doctors at Southcoast Health to visualize the organs inside your chest, abdomen, pelvis and head, as well as your bones, joints and spine.

Why It Is Performed

Doctors use CT scans in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island to diagnose various symptoms and conditions and provide treatment, including:

• Diagnose the cause of symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, vision and speech changes, and abdominal pain
• Scan patients for fractures, organ damage and internal bleeding from car accidents and other trauma
• Plan surgery and monitor treatment for cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and organ transplant
• Guide procedures like cancer treatment, biopsy and abscess drainage

What to Expect from a CT Scan at Southcoast Health

A radiologic technologist will perform your CT scan in a radiology clinic or one of our hospitals. The scan can last up to a half hour.

During your CT scan, you will lie on a table that slowly moves through a large ring-shaped machine. The machine encircles one part of your body at a time, but it does not completely enclose you. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath or hold still at certain times while the scanner takes pictures.

Understanding Your CT Results

A CT scan can help your doctor diagnose:

• Internal bleeding
• Infections
• Heart and lung conditions
• Blood vessel problems
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Bone and joint conditions
• Tumors, including cancer and benign masses

Your doctor at Southcoast Health will share the results of your CT scan with you as soon as possible and discuss your options, including treatment recommendations and referrals to specialists. Explore our other radiology services, in addition to computed tomography, to learn more or find an imaging location near you.

Southcoast Health provides an expertise in computed tomography or CT for patients in Fall River, North Dartmouth, New Bedford, MA and parts of Rhode Island.