If pleural mesothelioma is suspected, you will usually have a CT scan. A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses x-ray beams and a computer to take detailed cross-sectional pictures of the inside of your body.
Before the scan
Most CT scans are done at a hospital or radiology clinic and you can usually go home as soon as the test is over. You may be asked not to eat or drink (fast) for several hours leading up to having the scan.
Immediately before the scan, you will be given an injection of a liquid dye, called contrast, into a vein, which makes the pictures clearer. The contrast may make you feel flushed or hot all over and leave a bitter taste in your mouth, and you may feel sick or feel a sudden urge to pee. These feelings should pass quickly, but tell someone if you feel unwell.
Before having scans, tell the doctor if you have any allergies or have had a reaction to contrast during previous scans. You should also let them know if you have diabetes or kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
During the scan
The CT scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You will need to lie still on a table while the scanner moves around you. Getting ready for the scan can take 10–30 minutes, but the scan itself takes only a few minutes and is painless. Lying flat and still can be uncomfortable, so speak to your doctor or radiologist about any discomfort.
What a CT scan shows
The CT scan shows the location and thickness of the tumour/s in the chest or abdomen. It may also show if the mesothelioma has spread to other organs. The information from the CT scan is used to work out the best way to get tissue for testing (called a biopsy).
→ READ MORE: Biopsy for pleural mesothelioma
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All updated content has been clinically reviewed by A/Prof Anthony Linton, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Prof David Morris, Peritonectomy Surgeon, St George Hospital and UNSW, NSW. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: A/Prof Anthony Linton (see above); Dr Naveed Alam, (see above); Donatella Arnoldo, Consumer; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Melvin (Wee Loong) Chin, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, WA; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic and Sleep Physician and Director, UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Vicki Hamilton OAM, Consumer and CEO, Asbestos Council of Victoria/ GARDS Inc., VIC; Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Prof Brian Le, Director, Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Lung Cancer Support Nurses, Lung Foundation Australia; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Prof David Morris (see above); Joanne Oates, Registered Occupational Therapist, Expert Witness in Dust Diseases, and Director, Evaluate, NSW; Chris Sheppard and Adam Barlow, RMB Lawyers.
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