My appendix can never be seen on a ct scan (have had a few scans over the last 10 years). this concerns me because ive never had my appendix removed. how would appendicitis be diagnosed if its not visible on a ct scan?

Appendicitis , when it exists, will commonly be consistent with findings on a CT scan which aid the physician in making the diagnosis of appendicitis, secondary to inflammatory changes in the appendix and surrounding tissue, which along with the physical exam and attendant symptoms (nausea, localized abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant) will point toward this diagnosis.

Even though your normal appendix has not been seen on a CAT scan, if you had appendicitis, they would be surrounding inflammation which is usually very obvious by CAT scan. It is likely that your appendix would be able to be seen in that scenario. Regardless, the diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and clinical signs. Good luck.

Appendix can be in a position where it might not be able to be located on a routine CT. Appendicitis is also an independant clinical diagnosis which is confirmed by CT findings if it can be seen by CT