Computed tomography (CT or CAT scanning) is a way of looking inside a patient to locate tumors. CT scans use X-ray beams to generate three-dimensional images of the patient's brain. CT provides cross-sectional images of a patient's body similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, CT and MRI show different characteristics of tissue. The two may be used together to increase the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

The Outpatient Cancer Center has a state-of-the-art helical CT scanner, the most advanced system available. This machine is more accurate and works twice as fast as older machines. As a result, patients spend less time receiving the scan. Seasoned technologists who specialize in cancer help educate patients and put them at ease during the scanning process.