A CT scan is an advanced form of imaging where the inside of your body can be viewed through cross-sectional pictures that are created with the aid of a machine called computed tomography. Such scans provide useful information to doctors for diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions. A CT scan will show problems within organs, bones, and tissues and is an indispensable tool in medicine for the diagnosis of many diseases.
We are going to describe what a CT scan is, why it’s done, how to prepare for it, what happens during the procedure, and possible risks or complications associated with the procedure.
What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan uses the power of X-rays combined with computer technology to produce detailed images from inside your body. Such images are called cross-sectional slices, and they allow doctors to fully view organs, bones, and tissues. “CT” stands for computed tomography, reflecting the ability of a scan to compile multiple X-ray images taken from different angles and reconstruct them into a 3D image of the area to be scrutinized.
This allows for highly effective imaging of the soft tissues which are not always visible on normal X-ray films, hence quite useful in diagnostic conditions that include internal organs of the brain, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys among many others.
Why is a CT Scan Done?
A CT scan can be used to diagnose medical conditions, assess the severity of injuries, and monitor ongoing treatment. Some of the most common reasons a doctor may recommend a CT scan include:
- To check for injuries after an accident, CT scans are frequently used in the emergency department to assess damage to bones, organs, or blood vessels following accidents or trauma.
- Used as a Diagnostics Tool to Recognize Certain Illnesses Doctors can identify such conditions as cancers, infections, inflammation, or blood clots through scanning using a CT machine. Its significance is the observation of any tumor, cyst, or swelling.
- The observation of scans is to see the effectiveness of the treatment and the size of the tumors. CT scans are usually repeated on patients who have been placed under chemotherapy for their cancer.
- To Guide Procedures: CT scans can help doctors see inside the body during procedures such as taking a biopsy or draining an abscess.
- To Investigate Unexplained Symptoms: If a patient has symptoms such as unexplained pain, breathing difficulties, or sudden weight loss, a CT scan can help determine the underlying cause by providing clear images of internal structures.
Preparing for a CT Scan
Before a CT scan, some preparation steps have to be followed. Your healthcare provider or the hospital performing the scan will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:
- Special Diets: Depending on the area you are to have scanned, you may be told to follow some special diet and avoid eating some hours before this procedure. For example, in case the scan will be focused on your abdomen or the digestive system, you may be asked to forgo food some hours before that.
- Medications: It is important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking. Certain medications may affect the CT scan, so it’s essential to discuss this with the medical team beforehand.
- Contrast Medium: In some cases, you may be administered a contrast medium (also known as a dye) to enhance the images produced by the CT scan. The contrast medium helps in the highlighting of areas of the body, for example, blood vessels, organs, or tumors. This contrast can be administered through:
- Oral ingestion (ingested)
- Injection into a vein
- Rectal administration for abdominal scans
- On the day of your CT scan, you may be asked to remove metal objects such as jewelry, zippers, bras with metal clasps, and hair clips. It is advisable to avoid wearing anything containing metal since it can interfere with the images of the CT scan.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although CT scans use X-rays, which contain some level of radiation exposure, a developing baby has to be weighed against such potential risks. Your doctor might then advise you on alternative imaging options or exercise caution during the procedure.
- Other Health Conditions: If you suffer from asthma, kidney or thyroid problems, or diabetes, let your healthcare professional know about the conditions before they administer any medical procedure, like an X-ray, because known allergies, including contrast dyes, could provoke complications.
What Happens During a CT Scan?
A CT scan is a very fast, non-invasive procedure. Here is an overview of what you can expect during the scan:
Before the scan
- The type of scan and the area to be scanned will determine if a contrast medium is to be given.
- If an injection is given, you can feel a feeling of temporary warmth flush sensation, or metallic taste in the mouth. This too is usually harmless and clears up in just a few seconds.
- Once you’re ready for the scan, you’ll be asked to lie on a flat table or bed that slides into the CT scanner machine. You will lie on your back, side, or stomach, depending upon the area being scanned.
During the Scan
- A large, ring-shaped machine is a CT scanner. The bed glides through the opening of the scanner, from which the machine will take multiple-angle images in detail.
- You will be asked to hold very still during the scan so that clear images can be obtained. Little movement can make images blurry.
- You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds if the scan is of your chest or abdomen. This minimizes movement and enhances the images.
- The whole scan generally takes between 10 to 20 minutes; however, the duration may increase with the complexity of images that need to be captured and with the area that needs to be examined.
After the Scan
- You may resume normal activities immediately after completing the CT scan; however, you may have to wait for as long as 30 minutes if you received a contrast medium for any reaction you might experience. In case you were administered a contrast medium injection, the dye will eventually be passed out of your body through urine.
Getting Your CT Scan Results
After the scanning process, a radiologist trained in interpreting medical images will go through the pictures. The doctor who referred you for the scan will receive the report from the radiologist. You will likely receive your results in 1 to 2 weeks, though it can take up to 4 weeks depending on the level of urgency in doing the scan and the complexity of the result.
The findings will be discussed with you during a follow-up appointment with your doctor and recommendations made on any further action that might include further tests or treatment. If you haven’t received any results after the due time, call the doctor who sent you to have the scan.
Possible Complications of a CT Scan
CT scans are generally safe, although a few risks and potential complications have been identified.
Some will have an allergic reaction to the dye used for the scan. The allergic reaction could be caused by breathing problems, swelling, or dizziness.This is why you’ll be asked to wait for a few minutes after the scan for the possibility of an allergic reaction.
- Radiation Exposure: CT scans are composed of X-rays, which exposes the body to radiation. Though the dose of radiation is small, the frequent use of CT scans increases the chances of developing cancer a little. However, doctors and health care providers weigh up the benefits of the scan relative to the risks before they administer it to a young patient or a patient who would require recurrent imaging.
- Kidney Problems due to Contrast Dye: In some cases, the contrast dye can cause kidney problems, especially in patients who already have kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may use alternative imaging methods or take extra precautions.
Conclusion
A CT scan is a powerful tool in diagnosis with the ability to produce detailed pictures of the inner body. These images are often used to analyze injuries, various cancers, or other medical conditions. Understanding the events that lead up to it, during, and after will make the experience of the patient less daunting as well as ensure the patient that there is an inherent risk during the procedure. If you are concerned about your CT scan or have questions, never hesitate to ask and discuss with your healthcare provider for better care and results.
