CT scan

Diagnostic for:

• Prostate conditions
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney stones
• Kidney cancer

A CT scan takes detailed images inside your body using X-rays, which can help diagnose a range of conditions.

• Often the first step towards a diagnosis and treatment
• Scanning only takes a few minutes
• Quick results in 3 working days

Birmingham Prostate Clinic are a team of leading urologists and oncologists, who specialise in diagnosing and treating prostate, bladder and kidney conditions.

Our expert consultants routinely use CT scans to get a fast and detailed look inside your body. They’re often where our continuous care pathway starts, moving directly onwards to diagnosis and treatment. They can also help monitor how well treatment is working.

What is a CT scan? 

CT stands for computed tomography. It uses X-rays from many different angles to take a 3D picture of the inside of your body. It can show muscle, fat, bones, tissue, organs and blood vessels in clear detail.

How does a CT scan work?

In a regular X-ray, a beam goes through your body and is picked up by a detector on the other side. With a CT scan, the X-ray source rotates around you, capturing images from all angles. Then, clever computer software stitches these images together to create a detailed image.

What can a CT scan diagnose?

CT scans can help find diseases, problems and injuries, including cancer. Our consultants use them to diagnose all kinds of prostate, kidney and bladder conditions. They also give us precise information that helps us plan the best treatment. They’re also able to look at other structures in the area scanned.

Why choose Birmingham Prostate Clinic?

We are a leading group of urological and cancer experts with a seamless patient pathway for personalised prostate treatments. 

Our consultants use a range of diagnostic tests and scans to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. Once we’ve confirmed a diagnosis, we can put you directly onto the right treatment pathway, with support from our expert multidisciplinary team at every step.

What to expect during a CT scan

A CT scan appointment takes an hour or two, but the scan itself only takes a few minutes. Here’s what happens:

• You may have to stop eating, drinking or taking certain medications in the hours leading up to your scan
• You’ll have to remove any jewellery, glasses, hearing aids, and any other metal on your body
• You might need to drink a dye to help your organs show up clearly on the scan. You’ll do this the night before or one hour before your scan – we’ll give you clear instructions
• You’ll lie on a table that slowly slides inside the donut-shaped machine
• You’ll usually have a small needle placed in a vein, where we inject another dye, which helps show more detail on the scan
• You may hear some loud whirring noises. You’ll have to stay very still and may need to hold your breath for short periods to avoid any blurry images
• The technician will be in another room, but they’ll talk to you through a speaker. They’ll give you instructions on when to breath in and out

What’s the difference between a CT scan vs an MRI?

The main difference is that CT scans use X-rays, while MRI scans use magnets and radio waves. MRI does not involve X rays.

CT scans are speedy, accessible and versatile. But sometimes, doctors will order an MRI for a more detailed view of soft tissues including organs and muscles. 

When will you get your CT scan results?

Your doctors will review the images and talk to you about them in as little as 3 working days. 

Our consultants know how important it is to get answers quickly. They have access to CT scanners at local private clinics and hospitals to help speed up the process.

If your results lead to a diagnosis, you’re in the right place. Our consultants can put you straight onto a personalised pathway to further testing, treatment and support.

What are the risks of having a CT scan?

CT scans are generally safe. But because they use X-rays, there are some risks linked to radiation – your doctor will weigh up the risks and benefits.

If you have a dye injection, you might temporarily feel hot.

Who can’t have a CT scan?

CT scans aren’t usually used for people who are pregnant. If you can’t have contrast dye due to an allergy or a kidney problem, your doctor might recommend an MRI instead to get a detailed image.