What is an abdomen and pelvis screening?
An abdomen and pelvis screening is a diagnostic test and a valuable tool for prevention. This test can detect a diverse range of issues and complications affecting the organs and tissues within your abdomen and pelvic region.
Life Imaging Fla offers in-depth screenings using advanced low-dose CT scans. Most frequently, they use the test to detect signs of cancer in vital organs, like the colon, bladder, or kidneys. However, it’s sensitive enough to detect signs of a wide variety of health issues.
Which conditions can an abdomen and pelvis screening detect?
An abdomen and pelvis screening can detect signs of conditions affecting the many vital organs within your abdomen and pelvis. Your abdomen and pelvic region house your stomach, colon, small intestine, kidneys, bladder, and other important structures in the reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems.
The health and function of organs like these can be compromised by:
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Calcified kidney stones
- Gallstones
- Vascular disease
- Diverticulosis or diverticulitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Gastritis and esophagus thickening from acid reflux
- Ovarian cysts and fibroids
- Abnormal seminal vesicles
- Ventral, inguinal, and hiatal hernias
- Bladder wall thickening
- Enlarged and calcified prostate gland
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Enlarged organs or lymph nodes
Many of these complications come without symptoms, at least in their earliest stages. That’s why it’s important to get abdomen and pelvis screenings if you’re at high risk for diseases like cancer and other complications.
Should I get an abdomen and pelvis screening?
The team at Life Imaging Fla typically recommends getting abdomen and pelvis screenings if you have a family history of cancer in the abdomen or pelvis, like bladder or bowel cancers.
Your physician might also suggest you get an abdomen and pelvis screening if you’ve worked in environments with hazardous or carcinogenic contaminants like asbestos. Exposure to certain chemicals puts you at a higher than average risk for cancer and other complications affecting your internal organs.
What should I expect during my abdomen and pelvis screening?
The low-dose CT scan used for an abdomen and pelvis screening takes just minutes to complete and isn’t painful or uncomfortable. You’ll lay down and remain still on a platform that glides into the CT machine.
During the scan, the CT machine takes dozens of X-ray images of your abdominal and pelvic regions. It combines these images to create one highly detailed image of the entire area that the radiology team at Life Imaging Fla analyzes and interprets.
To schedule your abdomen and pelvis screening, call Life Imaging Fla or request an appointment online today.
