What is a CT scan (computed tomography)?
In conventional X-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. While much information can be obtained from a regular X-ray, specific detail about internal organs and other structures is not available.
Uses of CT scans
CT Scans can show brain structures which a conventional x-ray cannot. A CT Scan can also distinguish bone, tissue, fat, gas, and fluid. They can determine if a growth is solid or fluid-filled and if an organ is a normal shape and size.
CT Scans are routinely used to diagnose:
- Back Problems
- Blood Clots
- Enlarged Lymph Node
- Enlarged Ventricles
- Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Disease
- Tumors
How is the CT scan performed?
The CT scanner is located in a large room. The patient lies on a narrow table that slides into a doughnut-shaped hole that’s part of the CT scanner.