What Will Happen During the CT Examination?
The scanner is a large, donut-shaped machine. You lie on a table that slides into and out of this donut-shaped hole. You will change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry, earrings, and other metal objects. The care team will help you lie down on the CT scan table. A technologist sits behind a window during the CT scan. They can see, hear, and speak with you. You will be asked to hold your breath for several seconds during the scanning. It’s important to lie very still during the CT scan. If you move, the images may not be clear. You do not need intravenous contrast. A CT exam visit usually takes 30 minutes or less.
After the exam
After your exam, your primary care provider or doctor will review your results with you and any next steps:
- If your scan shows healthy or benign findings, your next scan will be in 1 year.
- If your scan shows unclear or suspicious findings, you may need more tests or a referral. You may be referred to a specialist in our Thoracic Cancer Program or Interventional Pulmonology Program at the Stanford Cancer Center.
What is a lung nodule?
A lung nodule is a small abnormal area that is sometimes found on a CT scan of the chest. Most lung nodules are not cancer. They often result from old infections, scar tissue, or other causes. Sometimes, tests are needed to check if a nodule is cancer. If you have a lung nodule, the next step is often to schedule another CT scan to see if the nodule grows over time. The time between scans might range from a few months to 1 year. It depends on how likely your doctor thinks that the nodule could be cancer.
