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Have you seen doctors advise their patients to undergo a CT scan when they want to investigate and diagnose a problem thoroughly? Standard X-rays and ultrasounds fall short of providing the detailed images required to diagnose certain conditions. Traditional X-rays are excellent for visualising bones in cases of fractures but lack the depth needed for soft tissues and organs. Likewise, ultrasounds are effective for some applications but are limited in clarity and depth. This need for a precise imaging method led to the invention of a Computed Tomography (CT) or CAT scan, popularly known as a CT scan.
The CT scan revolutionised the medical industry. Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, a British engineer, and Allan Cormack, a South African physicist developed it in the early 1970s.
In this blog, we will learn more about CT scans and CT scans vs. MRIs and delve deeper into what a CT scan is, its benefits, procedures, and associated risks.
A CT scan provides a comprehensive view of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. It combines X-rays with computer technology and offers detailed cross-sectional images of the body, unlike regular X-rays that provide a flat image. This advanced imaging technology provides a reliable and accurate diagnosis, making it an invaluable tool in modern medicine. It helps doctors see inside the patient’s body with greater clarity and detail, which further helps in diagnosing various health issues.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of a CT scan procedure:
A CT scan is performed by a radiographer, who is a doctor specialising in interpreting medical images and reviewing the scans. Before starting with a body scan, the radiographer may ask the patient to change into a hospital gown and remove any metal object, like jewellery, that could interfere with the imaging. They might use a contrast dye to highlight specific body areas in a few cases. Depending on the target area, the dye may be injected, swallowed, or administered rectally.
The patient must take the correct position before starting the computed tomography scan. He will be asked to lie on a motorised table that slides into the circular opening of the CT scan machine. The patient must remain still during the scan to ensure clear images for an accurate diagnosis.
The CT scanner has an X-ray tube that rotates around the patient’s body. As it spins, it emits a series of narrow beams of X-rays from different angles.
X-ray detectors opposite the X-ray tube capture the X-rays that pass through the patient’s body. Each rotation produces numerous cross-sectional images, or slices, of the area being examined for diagnosis.
After the patient’s scan, a powerful computer processes these X-ray beams and converts them into detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. These slices are then stacked together to form a three-dimensional image, providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s body’s internal structure.
Finally, the radiologist reviews and analyses the scans for abnormalities like tumours, fractures, infections, or other medical conditions. After the review, they share a detailed report with the patient’s referring doctor.
A CT scan can help detect several medical conditions; here is a list of the most common ones:
1. Neurological Conditions: CT scans can also detect conditions affecting the brain. It identifies issues such as brain haemorrhage, strokes, and tumours. It can also assess the severity of neurological conditions or head injuries in an accident.
2. Cancers and Tumours: A tomography scan can help identify the size, shape, and location of tumours and monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments. It can detect liver, lung, brain, and pancreatic cancers.
3. Injuries: In the event of an accident or trauma, a CT scan can diagnose internal injuries like fractures, bleeding or organ damage. They are helpful, especially for assessing complex bone fractures or spinal or head injuries.
4. Infections: CT scans can identify infections in the human body, such as abscesses in organs like the liver or lungs, and infections in the bones, like osteomyelitis.
5. Lung Conditions: CT scans are also helpful in detecting lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and blood clots in the lungs, known as pulmonary embolisms. They also monitor chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and screen for lung cancer.
6. Cardiovascular Conditions: A CT scan helps diagnose heart diseases or conditions, such as aneurysms, blood clots, and coronary artery disease. It can also detect blockages, evaluate the aorta, or detect other abnormalities in the blood vessels.
7. Musculoskeletal Disorders: A computed tomography scan can detect problems in the muscles and soft tissues. It also diagnoses diseases and conditions affecting bones and joints, such as bone tumours, arthritis, and complex fractures.
8. Stomach/Abdominal Issues: A stomach CT scan identifies issues in the intestines, pancreas, and other abdominal organs. It is effective in detecting causes of urinary tract bleeding. It can also diagnose abdominal problems like kidney stones, appendicitis, and liver diseases.
Here’s the comparison between CT scans and other types of imaging techniques in India:
Features | CT Scans | X-ray | Ultrasound | MRI | PET Scan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Purpose | Detailed cross-sectional images of bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels | Ideally suitable for visualising bones and identifying fractures | Viewing soft tissues, organs, and guiding procedures | Imaging soft tissue, brain, spinal cord, and joints | Detecting cancer, monitoring treatment, responding, and examining brain function |
How it works | Uses X-rays from multiple angles and computer processing to create detailed images | Uses a small amount of ionising radiation to capture images | Uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images | Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images | Uses a small amount of radioactive material to show functional processes |
Strengths | It provides detailed images quickly and is suitable for bone and soft tissue | Quick, widely available, and expensive | No radiation exposure is ideal for soft tissue and fluid-filled structures | Superior soft tissue contrast; no ionising radiation | Shows functional imaging and cellular activity |
Limitations | Uses ionising radiation, which is relatively expensive | Limited detail, especially for soft tissues | Less detailed and can’t penetrate bone or air-filled spaces well | More expensive, longer scan times are not suitable for patients with metal implants | Lower spatial resolution involves radiation exposure |
Best used for | Diagnosing complex conditions, emergencies, internal injuries, and cancers | Detecting fractures and bone abnormalities | Monitoring pregnancies, abdominal organs, and blood flow | Soft tissue injuries, brain and spinal cord conditions, and joint issues | Cancer detection, evaluating metabolic and biochemical activity |
Speed | Moderate (10–30 minutes) | Very fast | Fast (15–45 minutes) | Slow (30–90 minutes) | Moderate (30–60 minutes) |
Radiation Exposure | Yes (moderate) | Yes (low) | None | None | Yes (low) |
Cost (Approx.) | Rs. 1,500–Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 300–Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 500–Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 6,000–Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 10,000–Rs. 50,000 |
Accessibility | Widely available in urban areas | Widely available | Available even in smaller towns | Limited in smaller towns | Very limited in smaller town |
Let’s understand the different types of CT scans:
Contrast and non-contrast CT scans both have their advantages and specific applications:
S.No | Contrast CT scans | Non-contrast CT scans |
---|---|---|
1. | Provides detailed imaging and is invaluable. | Lacks the detailed imaging needed for certain diagnoses. |
2. | Requires more preparation and carries a small risk of allergic reactions. | Non-contrast CT scans are quick and safe. |
3. | Enhances the contrast of images, making it easier to see organs, tissues, and blood vessels in detail. | Captures detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues without any enhancement. |
4. | Used for evaluating blood vessels, abdominal organs, the heart, and cancer detection. | Commonly used for the brain, lungs, abdomen, spines, and bones. |
The use and choice between the two depends on the specific medical condition and the patient’s overall health.
It is an advanced imaging technique that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to provide detailed information about the body’s anatomy and metabolic activities. It is often used to diagnose and manage cancer.
PET-CT scans for cancer help detect cancer at an early age by identifying areas of increased metabolic activity. They determine the extent of the cancer and plan an appropriate treatment accordingly. PET-CT scans also help track cancer treatment efficacy by comparing visuals over time and identifying cancer recurrence earlier than other methods. PET-CT scans can detect different types of cancer in the body, such as lung, head, neck, breast, thyroid, melanoma, and lymphoma.
A PET-CT scan can also check for:
A computed tomography scan can image nearly every part of the body. Here are the different body parts that can be scanned by a CT scan, along with common medical conditions and the purpose of the scan:
To yield accurate results and make the scanning process smooth, here’s a quick guide on how to prepare for a body scan:
Here’s what you can expect during a CT scan procedure:
CT scans offer multiple benefits, including:
The above advantages make CT scans an essential tool for medical diagnosis and treatment planning today.
CT scans are non-invasive and safe, but there are certain risks and side effects to be aware of:
Minimise the risks and side effects of the CT scan of the CT scan by following these steps:
Before undergoing a CT scan, it’s highly recommended that you consider the following medical conditions:
Inform your healthcare provider about these conditions, as this will help plan the scan safely and effectively.
A CT scan is the most common test for diagnosing underlying medical conditions. It is a vital tool for modern medicine that provides detailed, high-resolution imaging that surpasses regular X-rays. It is versatile and accurately diagnoses most conditions, from tumours to cancers. For any treatment diagnosis, a body scan is essential; if you have health insurance coverage, your expenses can be mitigated.
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Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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