Computerised Tomography Scan

A computerized tomography scan is also known as a CT scan or just CT. An X-ray technique produces images of your body that visualize internal structures in cross section rather than the overlapping images typically produced by conventional X-ray exams.

CT scans use a specialized X-ray unit that rotates around your body and a powerful computer. A conventional X-ray produces two dimensional images while a CT scan produces a set of cross-sectional images, like slices, of the inside of your body. These images are studied and examined on a computer monitor or printed.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.

Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

When do you need a Computerised Tomography Scan?

CT scanning is one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue. Because of it the clarity of images, CT scans can be used:

• To diagnose different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. The images allow a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.
• For detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. A CT scan is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
• To diagnose and treat spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.

Physicians often use the CT examination to:

• quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma
• guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments
• plan for and assess the results of surgery
• plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors
• measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis

What are the Risks in a Computerised Tomography Scan?

Though CT scanning technology has greatly improved, there is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation.

Be sure to inform your doctor if:

• You are pregnant. If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend another type of exam to reduce the possible risk of exposing your fetus to radiation.
• You have asthma or allergies. If you have had a prior reaction to contrast media or have asthma or allergies, there is an increased risk of a reaction to the contrast medium.
• You have certain medical conditions. Diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems or certain thyroid conditions may increase your risk of a reaction to contrast media.
• If you are nursing, you may have to wait for 24 hours before resuming breast-feeding.
• Children should only have CT Scans if it is necessary.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page