A computed tomography is a radiation based diagnostic imaging technique which is used to diagnose and visualise various organs of the body for detecting any diseases such as cancer. The scan also helps in treatment planning. The scan images can show bones, soft tissues and blood vessels of the inside of the body. While the traditional CT has uses of its own, a hybrid CT technique has come up named PET CT Scan can help deliver more precise and clear pictures of the functioning of the body organs.
Why is a CT Scan Done?
The CT scan can be used for various conditions such as –
- To diagnose the infectious conditions such as tuberculosis in lungs
- To detect muscular disorders
- To determine bone fractures
- To pinpoint the location affected by masses such as tumour or cancer
- To assess the injuries for its spread and extent
- To visualise internal bleedings
- For guiding biopsy procedures such as in surgeries.
- For Monitoring the organs and conditions for checking the effectiveness of the treatment.
- For detecting heart conditions such as cardiomegaly
How to Prepare for a CT Scan?
- Precautions – if you are pregnant, you should avoid getting the scan unless ordered by your doctor.
- Clothes– you will be asked to change your clothes and wear a hospital gown instead during the procedure. You should also remove any kind of jewellery or accessory including your hairpins, eyeglasses, ear or other piercings’ before the scan.
- Eat/Drink– if you are to undergo a contrast based study, you will be advised not to eat anything 4-5 hours prior to your scan, although you can drink clear fluids such as water.
- Allergy– you should inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergy. If you had a contrast based study and developed an allergic reaction, you should tell your healthcare provider.
- Diseases– if you have any medical disease such as diabetes, you should inform your doctor, you might be asked to discontinue your medications after the test for some time. Contrast based study can cause complications in diseases if not told prior and appropriate measures taken.
What Are The Risks Of A CT Scan?
- Radiation Based– the ionising radiations used during the CT scan can adversely affect. The risks associated with the radiations are very less likely to cause any harm but the cumulative effect of multiple radiation based scans can lead to potential tissue cell damages which may promote carcinogenic growth of cells.
- If you are pregnant you should avoid getting radiation based scans as in some cases it is seen that the baby develops some birth defects due to genetic mutation caused by the ionising radiations.the foetus is more susceptible to radiations.
- Contrast Based Risks– contrast medium can cause allergic reactions such as –
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting etc.
Conclusion
A CT scan is a great diagnostic tool used to diagnose various conditions such as TB, Pneumonia, cancer etc. Although the scan has certain risks, The risks that a CT scan poses are outweighed by the uses it offers. The best CT scan centre near you will help you get an appropriate diagnosis for an effective treatment plan and better prognosis.
In Addition
Ganesh Paramedical College offers the best Paramedical Courses in India both Pathology and Radiology Courses in Delhi-NCR Region. It has been running over a period of 15 years. Our college is a division of Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre Pvt Ltd, Delhi from the time of its inception by Dr. Ravin Sharma, MD Radiologist. Every individual who aspires to achieve great heights in the field of healthcare, if he/she wishes to have any expectations from how a Good Paramedical College would look like, this is the place for you!