Necrosis
Necrosis means tissue has died, often because of poor blood supply, severe infection, injury, or aggressive disease.
When to get help quickly: Necrosis can be urgent because dead tissue may become infected or damage nearby structures, especially when symptoms are severe or the person is becoming unwell.
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tissue damage is and may include severe pain, swelling, fever, skin color change, discharge, or worsening organ-related symptoms.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show where tissue has died, how extensive it is, and whether there are complications such as infection, gas, fluid collection, or organ damage.
What radiology does
Imaging may show non-enhancing tissue, breakdown, gas, or structural destruction depending on the organ involved.
What usually happens next
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include urgent medical care, drainage, surgery, or organ-specific treatment.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- CT PancreasA CT Pancreas scan, often called a pancreatic protocol CT, is a targeted imaging test that focuses heavily on your pancreas and the surrounding digestive structures.
- Hip MRIA Hip MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the ball-and-socket joint connecting your leg to your pelvis. It is highly effective for investigating deep groin pain, catching sensations, and detecting restricted blood flow to the bone.