Would A CT Scan Without Contrast Be Able To Show Tumors?

Posted on Wed, 14 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Would a ct scan without contrast be able to show tumors, bleeds or herniation? I'm allergic to iodine so cannot get the contrast dye/ do that use anything else as substitute? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI would be preferred.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

The best imaging technique for detecting tumors and herniation would be MRI brain. MRI contrast is gadolinium, and allergic reaction are rare. However, an MRI without contrast could also show the features of tumors and herniation.

For detecting bleed, CT scan without contrast is the imaging modality of choice.

I hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar