Diagnostic
Services
Radiology
Services - Computed
Tomography (CT SCAN) |
What is Computed Tomography (CT) of the body?
CT, sometime called CAT scanning, uses special x-ray equipment
to obtain images from different angles around the body,
and then uses computer processing to show a cross-section
of body tissues and organs.
CT
is particularly useful because it can show several types
of tissue lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels with
great clarity. 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. CT of the body is a patient-friendly exam that
involves minimal radiation exposure.
What
are some indications of CT scan?
Because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all
types of tissue, CT is one of the best tools for studying
the chest and abdomen. It is often the preferred method
for diagnosing different cancers, including lung, liver
and pancreatic cancer. CT scan images allow doctors to confirm
the presence of a tumor and to measure its size, precise
location and the extent of the tumor’s involvement
with nearby tissues. CT examinations are often used to plan
and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors,
and to guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures.
CT
scan clearly shows even very small bones, as well as surrounding
tissues such as muscle and blood vessels. This makes it
invaluable for the diagnosis and treatment of problems and
injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures.
CT images can also be used to measure bone mineral density
for the detection of osteoporosis.
In cases of trauma, CT can quickly help the physician identify
injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal
organs. CT also plays a significant role in the detection,
diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead
to stroke, gangrene, or kidney failure.
How should I prepare for the
procedure?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Metal objects
can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and
snaps. Remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids,
and any removable dental work, depending on the part of
your body that is being scanned. You may be asked not to
eat or drink anything for one or more hours before the exam.
Inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any
possibility that your are pregnant
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