A chest tomogram is a picture of the chest area created by moving the x-ray machine in one direction while moving the recording film the other way. This method blurs structures in front of and behind the area of the chest being studied.
Laminography; Planigraphy; Stratigraphy; Tomogram - chest
The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. You should not move during the test, as this will affect the image quality.
Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.
There is generally no discomfort associated with tomography.
A chest tomogram can show certain problems with the lungs, such as tumors or the breakdown of tissue.
Abnormal results may suggest:
- Lesions or tumors in the lungs
- Widening or narrowing of the bronchial (air) tubes
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks.
In most medical centers, computed tomography (CT) has replaced the use of this technique.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.