You may need a computed tomography (CT) scan to help diagnose or monitor treatment for various conditions. CT scans show detailed images of your bones, muscles, fat, and blood vessels. They’re often used to examine the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
After a CT scan, there could be chances that the doctor might suggest surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In case that happens, do not panic. Some ways can aid in lowering the cost of surgery; all you need is the right medical insurance.
CT scans can be used to detect both cancerous and noncancerous conditions. They’re often used in addition to X-rays and other imaging tests. There are different ways to prepare for a CT scan, including;
1-You May Need to Fast:
You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before your scan. Fasting ensures a clear stomach, which is important for some CT scans, such as those of the abdomen.
2-You May Need to Drink Contrast Material:
You may be asked to drink contrast material if you have a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis. Contrast material is a liquid that helps the structures in your abdomen or pelvis show up more clearly on the CT images. This helps opacify, or make more visible, the intestines so that they can be more easily viewed on the scan.
3-You May Need to Take a Laxative:
If you’re having a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you may be asked to take a laxative. This ensures that your intestines are empty so they can be more easily viewed on the scan.
4-You May Need an IV:
If you’re having a CT scan with contrast material, you may need an IV. The contrast material is injected into your body through the IV. This helps the structures in your body show up more clearly on the CT images.
You may need a CT scan if you have the following:
Cancer
Most people do not know that CT scans can help diagnose cancer. CT scans can help find tumors in the body. They can also help with stage cancer. This is the process of finding out how far cancer has spread. CT scans can also be used to check if cancer treatment is working.
Infections
CT scans can help find infections in the body. They can also help guide a biopsy needle to the right spot. A biopsy is a procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from the body for testing.
Heart Disease
CT scans can be used to diagnose heart disease. They can also be used to see if you have had a heart attack. A CT scan of the coronary arteries can help find blockages. This is important because blockages can cause a heart attack.
Aortic Aneurysms
An aortic aneurysm is a ballooning of the aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Aortic aneurysms can rupture and cause internal bleeding. This can be life-threatening. A CT scan can help find aortic aneurysms.
Conclusion
CT scans are a vital tool in diagnosing and treating many conditions. They can help find cancers, infections, and heart disease. CT scans can also help find blockages and aneurysms. You may need a CT scan if you have any of these conditions.
