CT Scans Uncovered: Separating Fact from Fiction 

Medically reviewed by

Share:

CT scan in Raleigh
Table of Contents

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a type of medical imaging procedure that combines the use of X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed 3D images of the inside of your body. CT scanning has revolutionized healthcare, particularly diagnosis and treatment. Instead of undergoing potentially risky procedures and exploratory surgeries, CT scans can be used as a safe, non-invasive diagnostic technique. 

CT scanner
Our CT scan equipment offers detailed insight into the internal structures of your body.

Here’s how CT scanning works:  

  1. A ring-shaped machine, the CT scanner, takes several X-ray images from a variety of angles.  
  2. The computer then uses these images to create a detailed, cross-sectional view of your body.  
  3. The scan results allow doctors to examine each layer of your body in a non-invasive way. 

But as with all advanced medical technology, there’s always misinformation about it. In this article, we clear up some of the most common myths about CT scans so you can make an informed decision based on fact. 

Myth: I need a doctor’s approval before I schedule a CT scan. 

Fact: Scans are a proactive way to take control of your health and can be completed without a doctor’s approval. 

Patients who want to receive a CT scan can schedule one at Craft Body Scan without their doctor’s approval and without insurance authorization. Many patients who get scanned take the results to their primary care doctor for further evaluation. It’s a great way for you and your doctor to stay ahead of disease progression and ensure more effective treatment. Taking control of your health in this way allows you to be alerted of heart attack risks and other threats in advance, rather than ’watching and waiting’ for symptoms to occur. 

Myth: CT radiation is harmful for the body. 

Fact: The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm.  

According to Harvard Health, over 80 million CT scans are performed in the United States each year. This number has increased steadily since the 1980s. One of the reasons for the rise in health scan popularity is the wealth of valuable information they provide to patients and their providers.  

Despite the benefits, patients often want to know if the radiation exposure from CT scans will increase their risk of developing cancer. According to FDA.gov, the “probability for absorbed x-rays to induce cancer or heritable mutations leading to genetically associated diseases in offspring is thought to be very small for radiation doses of the magnitude that are associated with CT procedures”. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, the increase in cancer risk from one CT scan is small and the benefits of these tests far outweigh any radiation-associated cancer risks. Additionally, the low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm. 

Lung scan image
CT scans offer both diagnostic precision and accuracy.

Myth: CT scans cannot detect cancer. 

Fact: When it comes to detecting and diagnosing cancer, CT scans offer both precision and accuracy.  

According to American Health Imaging, CT scans can help determine cancer’s extent or severity. For example, it can show a tumor’s shape, size, location and mass. These critical details help doctors determine if a tumor is potentially cancerous. 

Besides identifying the presence of tumors, CT cancer scans also assist in determining whether and how far cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A CT scan detects swollen lymph nodes, a common sign that cancer has started to spread. In some cases, scans also can help locate where the cancer began, particularly when it’s found in more than one location. This information is important for deciding the most effective treatment plan. 

What types of cancer can be detected using a CT scan? 

CT scans are incredibly useful, versatile and can be used to detect a variety of cancers. This includes lung cancer, where the scans can reveal small nodules or tumors that may be missed by a traditional X-ray. CT scans can also detect liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and kidney cancer by identifying abnormal growths in those organs. CT scans are also used to identify brain tumors and cancers of the colon and ovaries. Even in cases where cancer originates from an unknown area, CT scans can help doctors identify the primary location. If there’s any potential for cancer in an organ (like the lungs), a CT scan can provide detailed images of the organ.  

Heart scan image
After completing a heart and lung scan, many patients choose to have a full body scan performed.

Myth: There isn’t much difference between a heart and lung scan and a full body scan, so I don’t need to upgrade to a full scan. 

Fact: Many couples start with a chest scan of the heart and lungs. After seeing all the value a heart and lung scan provides, they opt for a full body scan for even more detailed health information.  

While many of our patients start with an introductory heart and lung scan, they often schedule a full body CT scan as a follow up. The heart and lung scan provides so much valuable information about the health status of your heart and lungs. Many patients are curious to know what’s going on with the rest of their body. That‘s where a full body scan comes in.  

The full body CT scan provides a detailed and comprehensive view of the body, revealing potential kidney stones, cysts, aortic aneurysms, calcium deposits within plaque in the coronary arteries, enlarged lymph nodes, nodules, large masses, an enlarged spleen and a fatty liver in the abdomen region. 

National Cancer Survivors Month  

At Craft Body Scan, we believe every man and woman deserves access to life-saving scans. In honor of National Cancer Survivors Month, we’re offering a heart and lung scan for you and your spouse/partner for only $99. That’s a savings of over $2,600 off the regular price. (Offer ends June 28, 2024.) 

To take advantage of this limited-time promotion, click the schedule now button below. You will be asked to complete a brief contact form. No credit card is required. A Craft Body Scan team member will contact you to schedule your appointment. 

At Craft Body Scan, we’re proud to offer life-saving scans at an affordable rate. If you’ve been thinking about getting a scan to uncover any hidden threats or to obtain a baseline assessment of your current heart and lung health, now is your opportunity. Click the button below to schedule yours today. 

Limited Time Offer: Couple’s Promotion – both people must be present to redeem this offer. This promotion is valid for one–time use only. Once the promotion has been redeemed, it cannot be reused. This promotion is non-transferable and holds no cash value. The promotion offer provided can be used only once. Any attempt to reuse or duplicate the promotion will be deemed invalid and may result in forfeiture of the promotion benefits. 

SCHEDULE NOW 

 

More Articles
Prioritize your health