Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan lets doctors see inside the system. It employs a combination of X-rays and a computer to get a detailed picture of internal organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows a clearer and more detailed image than a regular one. A CT scan can be taken for any part of the body and the procedure X-ray is painless and doesn’t take longer time.
How Does CT Scan Work?
A narrow X-ray beam is used that rotates around one region of the body, which offers a set of images from many angles. The computer uses this information to make a cross-sectional image, the two -dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of your body.
The procedure is iterated to get multiple slices, and subsequently, these scans are stacked together by the computer to construct a comprehensive image of organs, bones, or blood vessels. For example, in preparation for surgery, a surgeon could employ a CT scan to examine all the slides of a tumour.
Also Read: Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI Scan: Procedure, Risks And Results
Procedure
CT scan is done at a hospital or radiology clinic. You would be instructed by a doctor not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure and may also need to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects like jewellery.
A radiology technologist will do CT scan. During the procedure, you will lie on a table inside a large doughnut-shaped CT machine. As the table slowly travels via the scanner, the X-rays rotate around the system. It’s quite normal to hear a buzzing noise. You would be asked to stay still as any movement can blur the image. Also, to hold your breath at times.
The duration of the scan usually depends on what regions of the body are being scanned. CT scans take about a few minutes to half an hour to complete.
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Uses Of CT Scan
Healthcare providers recommend CT scans for numerous reasons:
A CT scan can identify bone and joint disorders like complex bone fractures and tumours.
CT scans play a crucial role in detecting and monitoring medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, emphysema, or liver masses. They can effectively identify changes and provide valuable insights to healthcare providers.
A CT scan can also show internal injuries and bleeding caused by an accident.
It can help locate tumours, blood clots, excess fluid, or any infection.
Doctors use them to assist and guide treatment plans and procedures like biopsies, surgeries, and radiation.
Doctors use CT scans to find out if certain treatment mode is working or effective. For instance, scans of a tumour over time can reveal whether it’s responding to chemotherapy or radiation.
Also Read: Cancer In Male: 15 Early Warning Signs That Men Should Not Ignore
What Is A CT Scan With Contrast?
Generally, a CT scan helps to clearly view dense substances like bones, however, soft tissues don’t show up as well. They may look dull in the image. To aid them look clear, you may need a special dye called a contrast material. To enhance the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and other structures in the scan, contrast materials like iodine or barium sulfate are commonly used. These contrast agents are administered through injection directly into a vein, enabling the visualization of blood vessels, the urinary tract, the liver, or the gall bladder in the images.
Injection: The drugs are injected into a vein directly and it is done to view images of your blood vessels, urinary tract, liver, or gall bladder.
Oral: Drinking a liquid with contrast material can get clearer images of your digestive tract.
Enema: If intestines are being scanned, then contrast material is injected into the rectum.
Post-CT scan, you will have to drink plenty of water and other fluids to assist the kidney eliminate the contrast material from the system.
Risks
CT scans use X-rays which produce ionizing radiation. Several studies have disclosed that this type of radiation may damage DNA and lead to cancer. But the risk is very less and the chance of developing cancer due to a CT scan is about 1 in 2000. However, the effects of radiation add up over a lifespan. Hence your risk increases with every CT scan you take. Talk with your doctor about the procedure’s dangers and advantages and check if a CT scan is really needed.
Also, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and if you need imaging of the abdomen region then your healthcare may suggest a scan that doesn’t use radiation.
Side Effects
Some people are allergic to contrast materials, but most of the time, the reaction is mild. It can lead to itchiness or a rash. In very few instances, it may stimulate a life-threatening reaction. Hence, the patient is evaluated for a short duration after a CT scan. Inform your doctor about allergies you have to drugs, seafood or iodine in specific.
Also, a diabetic patient should inform their doctor about their health condition and if they are on medication metformin. The doctor will inform the patient to stop having medication before or after the CT scan.
