CT scans are more like x-rays but better, they take angle shots of your body to try and get an image that would detect what exactly is wrong. If you are looking to run one, you should try a CT scan in Wayne, NJ.
You may be confused as to what a CT scan is all about and what it does, let’s discuss that, shall we?
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan, computerized tomography, combines a series of x-ray images taken from various body angles and then process on the computer to create cross-sectional images of your bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. Unlike X-rays, it will provide your healthcare provider with more detailed information.
The CT scan has many uses, no doubt but mainly, it is used for a quick examination of those who may have internal injuries, either from accidents or training. It can be used to perfectly visualise nearly all parts of the body and even in diagnosing a disease condition and/or injury. This way your doctor can plan, medically, surgically or through the use of radiation.
What does it do?
A CT scan is used in many ways, your doctor may use it to
- Diagnose muscle and/or bone fractures such as tumours and fractures
- Locate a tumour, infection or a blood clot
- As a guide in some procedures like surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy
- Detect and monitor disease conditions eg, cancer, heart diseases, lung nodules, and liver masses
- Monitor the progress of treatment and its effectiveness, especially cancer treatments
- And also detect internal bleeding and injuries.
Risks
Just like any procedure that makes use of radiation, some risks are involved.
Although the radiation of the CT scan is low, it may not harm you but at higher doses, it may increase your chances of being at risk of getting cancer. This is not suitable if you already have a family history of cancer, you may want to be careful.
In pregnancy, the radiation fr the CT scan may not harm your unborn child but it does not excuse you from telling your doctor you are pregnant, other procedures like the MRI may be carried out instead.
What to do when preparing for a CT scan?
What you need to do when running a CT scan is to lie still, and if it is a child, a sedative may be given to allow the child to keep still and calm. This is done to get an accurate result.