Your health affects every aspect of your life. Severe health issues could adversely affect your ability to enjoy hobbies, care for yourself, work, and socialize. You may be overcome with worry if you suspect you have a health issue but don’t have a diagnosis. If that happens, worrying can cause health problems. Your immune system may not function properly if you’re stressed, and worry can cause other severe issues, such as coronary artery disease.
CT scans are preventative and diagnostic medical scans that can restore your peace of mind or give you answers about your physical health. Understanding what a CT scan is and how it works can help you understand the potential benefits of booking a CT scan at a reputable diagnostic center near your location.
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What Is A Ct Scan, And How Does It Work?
Computerized tomography (CT) scans are medical imaging scans. You’ll lie on a table that’s inserted through the scanner, which captures CT imaging of your body. The scanner generates X-ray photons that penetrate your body and generate data that allows the scanner to create images of inside your body. Although the images captured are two-dimensional, the scanner transfers the images to a computer processor, which uses the images to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation.
Why Would A Doctor Order A CT Scan?
You may wonder why your doctor recommends a CT scan or why you might consider booking one without a doctor’s referral. Understanding the benefits of CT scans begins with understanding what a CT scan can detect.
Can A CT Scan Help With Early Detection Of Diseases?
CT scans can detect some diseases in their earliest stages, such as coronary artery disease and some types of cancer. Early detection is significant. When cancer patients receive an early diagnosis, it can reduce the amount of treatment needed, increase their chances of survival, and reduce the costs of treatment.
What Conditions Or Issues Can A CT Scan Detect?
The types of conditions a CT scan can see include the following:
- Aneurysms
- Arthritis
- Blocked intestines
- Blood clots
- Brain injuries
- Cancer*
- Crohn’s disease
- Fractures
- Heart disease
- Hernias
- Infections
- Internal bleeding
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
*CT scans can detect some types of cancer, including lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.
What Organs Or Parts Of The Body Can A CT Scan Examine?
CT scans can capture images of parts of your body, including the following:
- Abdomen
- Adrenal glands
- Arms
- Arteries
- Bile ducts
- Blood vessels
- Bones
- Chest
- Gallbladder
- Head
- Heart
- Legs
- Liver
- Muscles
- Neck
- Pancreas
- Pelvis
- Spleen
- Urinary tract
A full body scan is an effective way to get an overall picture of your health and identify multiple health issues.
Bone density scans effectively assess your risk of osteoporosis and evaluate conditions, such as arthritis and scoliosis.
A coronary artery calcium score detects excessive plaque buildup in your arteries. Arterial plaque increases your risk of heart attack. Heart scans also look at plaque buildup in your arteries and help determine if you’re at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
A diagnostic lung scan can confirm the presence of blood clots and lung cancer. Lung scans can also diagnose pneumonia.
A virtual colonoscopy is a less invasive way to assess your bowels for cancer, polyps, and ulcers.
How Accurate Are CT Scans In Diagnosing Medical Conditions?
Although there’s a risk that any health scan may produce incorrect results, CT scans have a high rate of accuracy. For example, when used to diagnose brain disorders, such as strokes, CT scans have a 78% accuracy rate.
What Is The Difference Between A CT Scan And Other Imaging Tests Like X-Rays Or MRIs?
One critical difference between CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans is that CT scanners are more open than MRIs. Since patients must be inserted inside an enclosed tube during an MRI, they may feel claustrophobic or have a panic attack. Patients are less likely to feel claustrophobic or have a panic attack during a CT scan because they aren’t enclosed in the scanner.
CT scans and X-rays use ionizing radiation to generate images, but MRIs use magnets and radio waves. The powerful magnets are why MRIs aren’t suitable for patients with pacemakers or metal inside their bodies, such as pins.
Patients also benefit from CT scans because they’re faster and more affordable than MRIs.
Although both CT scans and X-rays use radiation to produce images, the images generated by CT scans are more detailed than those produced by X-rays.
What Should Patients Expect During A CT Scan?
Since CT scans can detect many medical issues and are faster and more affordable than medical imaging alternatives, you may be thinking about scheduling a CT scan and wondering what to expect during the scan.
You should wear loose clothing and avoid clothes with an underwire. You won’t need to change into a gown; you can wear your clothes during the scan. A CT technician will attach electrodes to your chest and direct you to lie on the table that goes through the scanner.
While the table you’re lying on passes through the scanner, you may be instructed to hold your breath or stay still while the scanner captures images. It only takes about 15 minutes from the moment you’re called in for your appointment until the moment you’re ready to leave. The actual CT scan takes seconds to complete.
Are There Risks Associated With A CT Scan?
You will be exposed to radiation during your CT scan, but low-dose CT scans use minimal amounts of radiation. Having a low-dose CT scan that doesn’t use contrast dye prevents the risk of a reaction to the dye.
What Should A Patient Do After A CT Scan?
You don’t need to adjust your routine after a low-dose CT scan without contrast dye. You’ll be able to resume your normal activities and eat and drink right after your exam.
Your results will be available within 10 days of your scan.
Prompt, Thorough CT Scans
Preventative Diagnostic Center provides expert preventative medical scans. You can book an appointment at our diagnostic center near your Las Vegas location or plan a trip to Vegas for your preventative health scan. Our medical team includes a doctor, so you do not need a referral to schedule a CT scan and get comprehensive medical information about your health.
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Sources:
Aljahdali, S., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of radiology modalities in diagnosing and characterizing brain disorders.
Fulghum Bruce, D. (2022). How Worrying Affects the Body.
Hermena, S., et al. (2023). CT Scan Image Production Procedures.
Promoting cancer early diagnosis. (2024).
