A CT (computed tomography) scan is used to capture pictures of the inside of a particular portion of the body, such as the chest or abdomen. It involves the use of multiple X-rays to gather details and a computer to produce images of organs, bones and other tissues within the body. There are many health problems a CT scan can find and a CT scan machine can be used to scan any part of the body. Most CT scans take only five to ten minutes to complete. Since they are non-invasive, CT scans cause no pain or discomfort.
When life-threatening health disorders are caught in the early stages, your chance of survival improves. CT scans can identify issues months before symptoms even present themselves. This article covers five health problems a CT scan can find with ease and accuracy.
What health problems can a CT scan find?
Patients need a CT body scan for various reasons. Here are five health problems a CT scan can find.
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Cardiovascular problems can be detected with a CT scan
A heart scan can identify potential vascular problems like blockages in the blood vessels or any other blood vessel problems. The images created by CT scans provide doctors with detailed information about your heart and vascular health, and even help with the diagnosis of vascular disease. A CT scan will help doctors to identify problems such as plaque and other signs of a potential heart attack. By getting a CT heart scan, you will be able to uncover health issues early and seek appropriate treatment.
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Health problems a CT scan can find include tumors
A CT scan can reveal information about the location, shape and size of smalls tumors. This information allows surgeons to perform biopsies more efficiently and have better surgical results. Other diagnostic methods, such as X-ray, may miss these details. CT scan can also help find enlarged lymph nodes that might contain cancer that has spread. This level of detail can be critical in catching cancer early, when it is more likely to respond effectively to treatment. With CT scans, doctors can obtain critical information about the potential cancer without having to perform invasive surgery.
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A CT scan can reveal certain cancers
A CT scan can help diagnose certain types of cancer and help doctors create a treatment plan. A CT scan helps identify the position and location of tumors. The procedure also helps doctors determine if chemotherapy is needed and if the cancer has spread. CT scans are accurate in detecting some cancers at an early stage. During cancer treatment, they can also be used to track the size of tumors to determine if your treatment has been effective.
Some cancers, especially those involving soft tissues or small tumors, are difficult for a CT scan to read. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate diagnostic scans for detecting specific types of cancer.
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Health problems a CT scan can find also include precancerous polyps
A traditional colonoscopy is the most well-known screening procedure for colon cancer. Now, many patients are choosing a non-invasive CT virtual colonoscopy instead. A CT virtual colonoscopy is non-invasive and is just as accurate at detecting most precancerous growths, referred to as polyps. This procedure’s main goal is to give the doctor clear images of the colon and rectum. A virtual colonoscopy does not require pain medicine, anesthesia or a trip to the hospital. It can be performed at a Craft Body Scan clinic near you.
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Lastly, CT scan images can be used for bone density analysis
Bone density tests enable your doctor to determine whether you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones are fragile and likely to break. Using our CT scanner, we can generate a clear image of a bone within a specific area of the body. The test takes about ten minutes or less.
Bone density is tested by using our CT machine. Clear images from a scan allow our team to give you the understanding you need to know your risk of osteoporosis fractures.
Which CT scan is right for me?
If you’re not sure whether you need a full body CT scan, heart and lung scan, or virtual colonoscopy, talk to us. Contact your local Craft Body Scan clinic and get your questions answered today.
