theimagingclinic

CT Scans

A CT scan stands for Computed Tomography scan. It is also known as a CAT (Computer Axial Tomography) scan.

It is a medical imaging method that employs tomography. Tomography is the process of generating a two-dimensional image of a slice or section through a 3-dimensional object (a tomogram).

What is a CT Scan used for?

  • CT scanning is useful to get a very detailed 3-D image of certain parts of the body, such as soft tissues, the pelvis, blood vessels, the lungs, the brain, abdomen, and bones.
  •  It is often the preferred method of diagnosing many cancers, such as liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The image allows a doctor to confirm the presence of a tumour. The tumor’s size can be measured, plus its exact location, as well as to determine how much the tumor has affected nearby tissue.
  •  A scan of the head can provide the doctor with important information about the brain – he/she may want to know whether there is any bleeding, swelling of the arteries, or tumors.
  •  A CT scan will tell the doctor whether the patient has a tumor in his/her abdomen, and whether any internal organs in that area are swollen or inflamed. It will reveal whether there are lacerations of the spleen, kidneys or liver.
  •  As a CT scan can detect abnormal tissue it is a useful device for planning areas for radiotherapy and biopsies.
  • A CT scan can also provide valuable data on the patient’s vascular condition. Vascular refers to blood flow. Many vascular conditions can lead to stroke, kidney  failure, and even death. It can help a doctor assess bone diseases, bone density, and the state of the patient’s spine.
  •  A CT scan can reveal vital data about injuries to the patient’s hands, feet and other skeletal structures – even small bones can be seen clearly, as well as their surrounding tissue.

Your scan will be performed on a state of the art machine

  • The 128-slice CT scanner is among the most current scanning equipment on the market, providing our patients with a faster and more comfortable overall experience.
  • Patients do not have to hold their breath for long periods, routinely less than 20 seconds. This is particularly beneficial for scanning the elderly, or those with lung disorders.
  • Radiation amounts are greatly reduced due to automatic controls whilst still producing high quality images.
  • The exceptional image quality produced by the 128 slice CT scanner increases detection of lesions scanning at sub millimetre slice thickness, giving your clinician a more complete view, and enhancing the diagnostic value of the scan.
  • The outstanding resolution of the scanner can be used during cancer treatment. Tumours are more closely monitored, providing an early view of how a patient is responding to therapy.
  • Additional applications such as virtual angiography, virtual endoscopy and virtual colonoscopy can also be performed. This means that rather than having a camera inserted in the mouth for assessing the throat, or rectum for assessing the colon, or a catheter inserted for examination of the heart, patients can have a less invasive experience.
PET CT Scanner
PET CT Scanner

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