A computerized tomography scan (CT) is an advanced x-ray. Using a high-speed computer, several different x-rays are taken from multiple angles around your body and arranged to create cross sections of your internal organs. CT scans allow doctors to examine bones, blood vessels, and other soft tissues in greater detail.

For some CT scans, patients are injected with a contrast dye that highlights certain tissues. It allows doctors to differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue, making it possible to accurately diagnose many diseases in their early stages.