Abdominal and pelvic CT scan questions

[naturemumma]

Hello, I’m due to have a CT scan this week. I wondered what organs does an abdominal and pelvic CT scan show?

Also, anyone who’s had a CT scan, how do you get the results? I was referred under the 2 week pathway from the Drs, but the referral for the CT scan is the consultant at the hospital. Just wondered how I will find out. Dreading getting the - come in for an appointment message and then knowing it’s bad news 🙁

Feeling terrified tbh. Any info welcome. Thanks

I don't understand what you mean when you ask what does it show. It shows detailed images of everything inside.
I've had many CT scans as I've had cancer. The results take anything between 3 and 6 weeks and it's extremely stressful to be waiting that long. They often invited me in even when the scan was clear. I think it's quite standard, especially after the first scan. The consultant wants to discuss it face to face. Don't be alarmed if you get an appointment.
I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope it's nothing serious.

Thanks so much Sally. That’s really useful. Sorry to hear that you’ve had cancer - I hope you’re doing okay.

What I meant by the CT scan was what area does it cover (really I wondered if it covers the liver / stomach)

I don't know what a CT scan looks like, but they must be pretty clear as I got told immediately (afterwards by a doctor) something was seriously wrong. All fine now, luckily. Mine was done as an emergency so unfortunately I can't say how long the results are otherwise.

Do you know about the weird injection thing they give you? I think it's dye.

I had to ask for mine to be adjusted because it was making me feel a bit shaky. But it was fine once they adjusted it. I can't really describe the sensation, but it's odd.

It's pretty quick in there. A bit chilly. It's not claustrophobic. Not noisy either particularly.

I don't think it would cover that. Mine was definitely just pelvic. I didn't have my stomach under the right bit of the machine.

Pelvic CT is just that: pelvic area and lower abdomen. Liver is upper abdomen.

You'll be fine OP, hopefully you get good news!

An abdomen and pelvis CT will cover all organs from below your diaphragm down to your vagina, so yes, it will show liver, kidneys, spleen, bowel, uterus, ovaries. They are super quick and not claustrophobic like an MRI. Results are usually back with GP in 2 weeks but depends on your area. Good luck

Hi I had an emergency referral for an abdominal and pelvic CT earlier this year. Got the results in about 10 days I think.. possibly was a week. All fine..
It's super quick and not claustrophobic as mentioned in another reply. Not sure what they can see exactly but must be pretty detailed. I had the contrast dye as well, it does feel weird but nothing to worry about.
Good luck

Thanks so much everyone, that’s really helpful. It’s both abdominal and pelvic - I’m not sure why they’re doing the pelvic scan, because it’s a kidney thing, but maybe it’s to show the bladder etc.

@ChristmasSteps295 thank you - yes, I’ve read about the dye. Sounds weird!

Also just to say, I got my results on the post. I'm assuming if it was bad news they would call?

That’s interesting about the post. Thanks so much! I do wonder if results will be a bit delayed with Christmas.

@miniegg3 so glad to hear all was clear too

Just in case anyone looks at this in future and it’s useful. I got the results 12 days later by post. All normal. CT scan (with contrast) was absolutely fine. Over really quickly and everyone was nice. Thanks for all your helpful responses.

@naturemumma thanks for updating and that's good everything is fine. Curious to know, did you receive any confirmation at your appointment of your original question about which organs are covered by the abdominal and pelvic CT scan?

No, I didn’t unfortunately, but it looked like it was from around my diaphragm downwards. I’d quite like to know though!

It will show all your abdominal & pelvic organs including surrounding fatty & soft tissues. Organs in your abdomen are things like stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, large & small bowel, kidneys etc. and in your pelvis you have your bladder, sexual organs (male or female) and rectum.

As it's a 2 week wait appointment, the results go to the consultant that received the referral and requested the scan. They typically organise an appointment (phone or in person) when they have the results. Sometimes if the results are all normal, or if you need further scans/investigations, they may write to you or your GP, but generally they will always get in touch with you in some way to arrange an appointment to discuss the results. I hope it all goes well.

My chest/abdo/pelvis CT (referred under 2 week wait) in the summer was normal (apart from incidental non obstructing kidney stones) but I did struggle to get the results - took about 4 weeks and eventually the GP found it on the system and told me. No news appears to be good news in the NHS

Thank you @Muffins28 That’s really useful.

@spiggydit thank you. So glad everything was okay for you, but what a horrible wait for the results.

@spiggydit glad everything was ok for you. Do you mind me asking how old you were when you had the scan done? I’ve just had one and feel slightly worried as I am young

I was 61 when I had the scan