Why Was My Stomach Not Discussed in My Abdominal CT Scan Report?
I’m a 29-year-old woman who was referred for an abdominal CT scan due to ongoing discomfort in my upper left abdomen. My doctor specifically highlighted concerns about potential growths on my pancreas and stomach (or perhaps gastric areas) in the request. After undergoing the scan, I felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity about what the results would reveal regarding my stomach. I wasn’t particularly worried about the pancreas since my recent ultrasound showed normal results, and the CT scan also confirmed that. However, I was perplexed to find that there was a mention of my intestines in the report, yet my stomach was omitted entirely. Can anyone clarify whether the stomach is typically included in a standard reading for an abdominal CT scan? My stomach is the primary issue that prompted this investigation in the first place. I’m curious if the absence of mention suggests that everything is normal or if it simply wasn't assessed at all. I have an appointment with my doctor coming up, but the uncertainty is weighing heavily on me. Now I’m even considering whether I should look into an endoscopy instead. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 12:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious and curious about your abdominal CT scan report, especially since your stomach was a primary concern. I’ll help clarify how CT scans typically assess abdominal organs and what the mention (or lack) of certain organs may indicate.
Main Points
- Stomach assessment is often part of an abdominal CT scan, but there may be reasons it was not specifically mentioned.
- The absence of a mention doesn't automatically mean everything is normal; it could be due to prioritizing other findings.
- Discussing these results with your doctor will be crucial for clarification and next steps.
Explanation
A CT scan of the abdomen is designed to evaluate various organs, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. In a report, the radiologist may choose to highlight certain findings that are clinically significant or relevant to the patient's symptoms. If your stomach was not discussed, it might indicate that no abnormalities were noted that warranted specific mention, but this doesn't mean it wasn’t evaluated.
The fact that your doctor initially highlighted concerns regarding both the pancreas and stomach suggests that these were areas of interest for specific reasons. If the stomach was not discussed in the report, it’s possible the radiologist did not find anything notable or that they focused on other areas that need more attention.
Next Steps
- Prepare Questions for Your Doctor: Write down specific questions for your upcoming appointment, such as why your stomach was not mentioned and whether it was assessed adequately.
- Consider Monitoring Symptoms: If your upper left abdominal discomfort persists or worsens, note any new or changing symptoms beforehand to discuss with your doctor.
- Explore Endoscopy Options: If your discomfort continues and there’s concern about stomach-related issues, ask your doctor if an endoscopy might be warranted for further evaluation.
Remember, it’s entirely reasonable to seek clarity regarding your health. Your concerns are valid, and addressing them with your healthcare provider will help you understand the situation better. Don’t hesitate to express your worries during your appointment!
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