Computed Tomography Scan

Description

A CT scan lets you see inside the body. (from Children’s Encyclopedia- Science and Technology)

Technology is very vital in modern medicine so that doctors can find out what is wrong with patients quickly and accurately. Today, one of the most advanced technologies used in the field of medical imaging is the Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. This technique, commonly referred to as CAT scanning, has revolutionized the way doctors have been able to visualize body interiors without actually cutting open a body.

Pre-CT Let’s Review What A CT is, How It Works and What’s it For and What the Patient Should Know

What is a CT scan?

CT (Computed Tomography) is an imaging diagnostic test in the medical field that employs X-ray in combination with computers to produce extremely detailed cross-sectional images of the human body. It draws a much more accurate three-dimensional depiction of what exists inside one’s internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue as compared to normal X-rays, which can only display flat images.

The table moves in and out of the hole inside the donut, patient not having to do anything. As you lie on the table, the scanner moves around you, capturing images from various perspectives.

X-ray beams that travel throughout the body are used to perform CT scans.

With a computer, it is possible to produce cross-sectional pictures out of the data acquired by the machine from different directions around the object. In this way, it is possible to stack these pictures to form a 3D picture.

This allows doctors to examine organs one layer at a time so that it is much easier to spot injuries, diseases, or any other problem.

This is to highlight certain areas, such as blood vessels or the intestines. For this, the patients are given a contrast dye made from iodine and asked to swallow it in others. Most often, it is introduced into a vein or given through an enema, it is meant for.

It is for this reason that CT scans are very popular in medical imaging, especially in emergencies, diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Listed below are some of the most frequent roles:

1. Accidents and Injuries

Following an injury or accident, CT scans may be employed to find out whether there is bleeding in the body, organ damage, or to search for broken bones. It gives fast and correct results whenever required.

2. Cancer Detection

CT scans can find and help watch over tumors, cysts, or other growths quite well. They also are used to see how cancer treatment is working out.

3. Brain and Head

CT helps doctors to the brain infections, strokes, tumors, and injuries in the brain.

4. Chest and Lungs

CT scans are frequently performed to rule in lung diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and/or lung cancer. Another indication includes the evaluation of possible chest pain or the work-up for obstruction.

5. The heart and blood vessels

CT angiography is special imaging it helps doctors to look at blood vessels and find problems like blocked arteries or aneurysms.

6. Stomach problems

CT scans, otherwise known as Computerized Tomography scans are to examine problems related to pancreas, liver, kidneys, intestine, and other organs in the abdomen.

Advantages of CT Scan

The CT scan provides a very clear and precise picture of the inside of the body.

Most scans only take a few minutes. You don’t feel anything during the scan.

CT scans are very commonly used to help surgery, biopsy as well as irradiation.

Pros and Cons of Computed Tomography

Pros:

1. Early diagnosis: Most health problems are curable if detected early. The CT scan allows early detection of such problems, which maximizes the chances of successful treatment.

Cons:

1. Other considerations and hazards

"Therapeutic Review Series" from Minnesota Medicine reports that CT scanning is safe, but precaution measures should be taken for: Radiation Exposure: Since the CT scan applies ‘ionizing radiation’, the risk related to this radiation source is minimal but for safety purposes the studies should not be performed indiscriminately.

2. Reactions

Some people could be allergic to the dye in which the contrast is made.

3. Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid CT scans unless very necessary because of the radiation to the fetus.

4. Renal function

Patients with known renal problems are at high risk; hence, caution is observed due to the harmful effects of the contrast dye on the kidneys.

Before advising a CT scan, doctors always consider the pros and cons.

What to Expect during the CT Scan

You will be required to wear a hospital gown and remove all metal objects, such as jewelry and glasses, during the scan. Contrast dye is given to you in case you need it in advance.

You will be asked to lie motionless on a table that slides through the scanner. There is no pain involved in that, but you might hear some buzzing or clicking sounds.

Most of the time, there is no downtime after the scan. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, you can go right back to your routine.

A radiologist will check the scan pictures and send the results to your doctor who will then communicate with you regarding the same.

The scan saves lives, helps make decisions, and enhances patient care across the globe. It’s fast, accurate, and applicable in many different situations.