Why Doctors Recommend a CT Scan Test – Everything You Should Know

Abstract

A CT scan or computed tomography scan, is a medical imaging technique, where the use of X-rays to produce detailed, cross-sectional images of the body by rotating an X-ray source around the patient, allowing for precise visualization of internal organs, and bones, and soft tissues, providing significantly more anatomical details compared to standard X-rays, this information is then processed by a computer to create 2D slices which can be reconstructed into 3D images, enabling accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions like tumors, injuries, and Vascular Abnormalities. The CT scan shows different types of images according to the location which includes the brain, abdomen, stomach, chest, joints, etc.

Introduction

This non-invasive imaging procedure uses X-rays to create a detailed picture of the inside of the body, the one who performs the CT scan is a Radiographer or radiology technologist. CT scanners use a rotating X-ray tube that projects rays on the body from where the image is required, placed in a hospital or diagnostic center to measure X-rays by different tissues inside the body. The different multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles are then processed on a computer using topographic reconstruction to produce a tomographic image of a body.

What is the Importance of a CT Scan

There are different uses of CT scan (computed tomography scan). It’s important because it shows a clear image of the organs of the body and makes a diagnosis, it shows a clear image of the body organs and also looks for the treatment progress like in carcinoma, any post-operative surgery, it can also be used to examine the condition of heart diseases, lung diseases like nodules, and liver mass, abdominal disease, ascites, herniation, etc.

What Does it Diagnose

CT scan can diagnose various diseases of different parts of the body. It can diagnose like –

Cancers – tumors in the lungs, liver, Kidney, ureter, bladder, intestine, pancreas, bladder, and other organs can be seen.
Injuries to the bones, fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding.
Blood vessel diseases, coronary artery diseases, aneurysms, blood clots, and congenital heart defects.
Pulmonary embolisms, excess fluid, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Stones kidney and bladder, abscesses, inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, sinusitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, blockages, and Crohn’s disease.
CT scans also help plan surgeries, biopsies, and radiation therapy.

When is a CT Scan Recommended

A CT scan is recommended to examine the detailed images of the internal organs and bones in the condition of cancer, bone fracture, internal bleeding, blood clots, kidney stones, ascites, trauma, organ abnormalities, etc, or to assess the severity of injuries. It’s recommended when the other methods are inconclusive, it’s also used to see the efficacy of the treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.

Used to Examine Which Part of the Body

Different parts of the body can be examined as per the location in the body like –

Head

A CT scan of the head is used to detect infarction (Stroke), tumors, calcification, hemorrhage, bone trauma, edema in the brain, and meningitis.

Neck

CT is used to study the neck masses, thyroid study, evaluate thyroid cancer, and see cervical spondylosis.

Lungs

CT scan be used for detecting both acute and chronic changes in the lungs, parenchyma, the tissue of the lungs, emphysema, fibrosis, tuberculosis, bronchial wall thickening, inflammation of bronchi, chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary effusion, pneumothorax.

Angiography

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a type of contrast CT to visualize the arteries and veins throughout the body, CTPA (CT pulmonary angiogram) is for pulmonary embolism (PE).

Cardiac

A Cardiac CT scan is performed to gain knowledge about cardiac health, and the arterial health of the heart coronary CT angiography (CCTA), a CT coronary calcium scan helps to assess of severity of coronary artery disease, looks at the calcium deposition in the coronary arteries, which narrow the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Abdomen and Pelvis

To diagnose Crohn’s disease, (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease, kidney stones, acute abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleed), staging of cancer.

Axial Skeleton and Extremities

CT is mostly used for the imaging of complex fractures, around joints, and ligamentous injuries.

Complications or Issues During CT Scan

The issues and complications of CT scans are different like risk from radiation like cancer risk. The radiation from CT scans can slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life. The risk is higher for children and pregnant women.

The risk from contrast dye – Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, which can cause weakness, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Some kidney problems can also be seen like kidney failure in patients with kidney diseases, diabetes, or low blood volume.

Some side effects like a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, and discomfort.

Approximate Cost

The cost of a CT scan can vary by city and lab, contrast CT scan costs more than a standard CT scan, and the cost also depends upon the body part included in the CT scan as –

Arms or legs: ₹3,000 to 6,000
Full body: ₹10,000 to 25,000
Blood vessels: ₹8,000 to 14,000
Brain: ₹4,004
Chest: ₹5,720
Abdomen: ₹7,150
Spine: ₹9,295

Price can vary from location, city, setup of the place, or some other factors can have some difference in the price.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a CT Scan

A CT scan is a computed tomography scan, a noninvasive medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Shows detailed images of the bone, muscles, organs, and blood vessels.

How Much Time Does a CT Scan Take

A CT scan procedure takes almost one hour but the imaging time of the scan is 20 to 40 min.

Is a CT Scan Painful

A CT scan is not painful, sometimes administration of dye can cause a little pain in the arm.

Do I Need To Prepare for a CT Scan

Depending on the type of scan, you may need to fast for a few hours before your appointment, remove metal objects like jewelry, and inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

What is Contrast Dye, and When is it Used

Contrast dye is a special liquid that can be injected into your veins or given orally to enhance the visibility of certain organs on the CT scan.

Are There any Risks Associated With a CT Scan

The primary risk is radiation exposure, although the amount used in a CT scan is generally considered low.

Conclusion

CT scan is a type of computed tomography scan that helps to visualize the organs and their movements, and any abnormality or abnormal growth in the body, for examining the organs, fractures any any other health problem. It is useful because its noninvasive procedure can also see the condition of the veins and arteries in the body. It has some side effects like some side effects of dye and for pregnant women, for children, as it emits X-rays on the body which are not good. Here we have discussed the difficulties, the diagnosis, and some key factors regarding CT scan.