A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs.  CT scans of the chest provide more detailed information about organs and structures inside the chest than standard x-rays, making it an excellent tool for assessing the chest and its organs for tumors and other lesions, injuries, intra-thoracic bleeding, infections, unexplained chest pain, obstructions or other conditions. It may also be used to evaluate the effects of treatment on thoracic tumors, as well as provide guidance for biopsies and/or aspiration of tissue or fluid from the chest.

Patients are asked to notify the CT technologist if they have metal objects within the chest, such as a pacemaker or surgical clips or have had a recent barium study as these may interfere with the accuracy of a CT scan of the chest.

If no contrast medium is required, patients may stay on their regular diet.