Computer tomography (CT) scans are generally considered safe, especially when considering the alternative of potentially living with an undiagnosed health problem. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits and risks of CT scans to make informed healthcare decisions.
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How Does A CT Scan Work?
A CT scan is a noninvasive medical scan that uses X-ray and computer technology to create detailed images of the inside of the body. At Preventative Diagnostic Center, the patient lies on a table while the CT scan revolves around the patient, taking various three-dimensional images of the structures inside the body.
What Is A Preventative Scan?
A preventative scan is a health scan done as part of routine health screenings. Preventative scans are done to detect early signs of diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, when they’re the most treatable.
What Are The Risks Associated With CT Scans?
CT scan risks are minimal and include:
- Radiation exposure: CT scans expose you to low levels of ionizing radiation. Repeated exposure to radiation may increase your lifelong risk of developing cancer. CT scan exposure levels are kept as low as possible to minimize this risk.
- Possible allergic reaction: Some CT scans require the use of a contrast material being introduced into your body to get the best pictures. In rare cases, some can be allergic to this material. Allergic reactions are generally mild, such as a rash or nausea, but in severe cases, they can be serious.
FAQ
Are CT Scans Safe During Pregnancy?
The risks of CT scans for pregnant women are very low. A CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis could potentially expose a fetus to radiation, which can be worth a discussion with your doctor.
Is It Safe To Get Multiple CT Scans?
Repeated CT scans may pose a small increase in potential cancer risk. This risk of repeated scans may be higher for children. Often, CT scan benefits outweigh the risks, especially considering that CT scan exposure levels of radiation are kept as low as possible.
How Much Radiation Is Involved In A CT Scan?
The amount of radiation a CT scan exposes you varies by scan. For example, an abdominal CT scan exposes you to about 10 mSv (millisieverts) of radiation, and some PET/CT scans can expose you to 25 mSv of radiation. To put this in perspective, the average American is exposed to roughly 3mSv of radiation every year just from environmental factors.
What Are The Benefits Of CT Scans?
Whether CT scans are being used for preventative medical scans, as a surgical guide, or as a way to detect the extent of internal injuries, CT scans can be lifesaving as they can detect:
- Cancerous and noncancerous tumors
- Broken bones
- Signs of heart disease
- Blood clots
- Issues with the bowels (obstructions, diseases of the colon, early signs of cancer, etc.)
- Kidney stones
- Injuries to the brain or spinal cord
- Internal bleeding
For example, the following scans can have numerous preventative benefits:
Lung Scans
Those between the ages of 50 and 80 who meet the criteria are screened annually for early signs of lung cancer. The benefits of a lung scan include:
- Noninvasive way to check for early signs of diseases in the lungs
- If you’re at risk, this gives your doctor a baseline for how your lungs look compared to future preventative scans
Heart Scans
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Receiving a preventative heart scan with a coronary calcium score test (a more detailed image to evaluate just how much plaque buildup is present in your arteries) provides the following benefits:
- Noninvasive way to assess your heart health
- Detecting plaque in the arteries before symptoms ever happen
Bone Scans
A bone density scan is recommended for those at risk of osteoporosis and other conditions that affect the bones. These health scans provide the following benefits:
- Diagnosis of bone conditions
- Noninvasive monitoring of diseases affecting the bones
- May prevent broken bones
Virtual Colonoscopy
The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone begin screening for colorectal cancer at 45. Because it can take a decade or longer for abnormal cells in a polyp to form into cancer, regular colonoscopies have remained the best preventative tool to protect against colon cancer. A virtual colonoscopy has the following benefits:
- A noninvasive way to get a colonoscopy
- Can find polyps in the colon that may need to be removed to prevent colon cancer
- Can detect other intestinal issues that put you at risk
Full Body Scan
A full body scan may be useful if you’re experiencing symptoms your doctor cannot explain. Discuss the pros and cons of a full body scan with your doctor to evaluate if this is the right option for you.
Are There Alternatives To CT Scans?
When there is a need for medical imaging, there are three main ways to get these images:
- X-rays
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
How Do CT Scans Compare To Other Imaging Techniques?
X-ray vs. CT scan
X-rays are great for a quick assessment of broken or fractured bones. However, a CT scan gets a more detailed picture of the inside of the body, which makes it better for catching harder-to-see but serious problems, such as:
- Blood clots
- Injuries or problems with internal organs
- Very subtle bone damage X-rays alone miss
CT scan vs. MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) uses a very strong magnet and radio waves to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. MRIs are particularly good at distinguishing between soft tissues and are ideal for:
- Joint and muscular injuries
- Joint inflammation
- Nerve compression
- Spinal injuries
- Tears in joints, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, or tendons
Some may prefer an MRI scan due to the lack of radiation exposure. However, MRIs aren’t available at all hospitals. Plus, the magnet used for MRIs makes this scan not an option for those with medical devices, such as a pacemaker or metal implants.
What Precautions Are Taken To Ensure Safety During a CT Scan?
To minimize a patient’s exposure to radiation, radiologists are trained to use the lowest possible radiation dose to get proper images for diagnosing, according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
CT scans are a relatively safe and effective way to assess a patient’s overall health. For a preventative medical scan near you, check out Preventative Diagnostic Center.
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Fayad, L. (n.d.). CT Scan Versus MRI Versus X-Ray: What Type of Imaging Do I Need?
Heart Disease Facts. (2024).
