Benefits of CT Scan and Its Risks

A CT scan is a widely used term in the medical field. If you’ve ever been injured or been to the hospital, chances are that you might have heard of a CT scan, or your doctor may have suggested one. To find a suitable centre to get your CT scan done, all you have to do is search “CT scan near me” on the internet and you will find suitable path labs near your area.  

When someone falls sick, gets hurt, or gets severely injured, the first thought in their mind is how to be okay again. During these cases, it is obvious that a doctor can help. There are times when a doctor might suggest a range of scans to understand what’s happening inside the body. A CT scan is one of them.  

What Exactly Is A CT scan? 

Just like any other imaging technique, computer tomography is a medical imaging technique in the field of radiology to obtain detailed images of the internal organs of the body. A CT scan is a non-invasive and painless imaging technique.  

CT scans are a means to examine the internal structure of the body by taking several cross-sectional images of the body’s internal organs, tissues, blood vessels, bones, etc.  

However, unlike other imaging procedures, CT scans are easily able to capture detailed images of distinct tissues like bones, organs, etc. And just like every other imaging technique, CT scan prices depend upon a variety of factors as well.  

Computed Tomography 

As discussed above, computed tomography is an imaging process that employs x-ray machines to get detailed and well-structured images of different parts of the body. The purpose of the procedure is to identify any possibility of internal bleeding, tumours, or internal damage or injuries. A method known as tissue fluid biopsy is also possible via a CT scan.  

In computed tomography, a series of X-rays are taken from various angles and are then assembled into a three-dimensional model by the computer. The picture of a single slice is known as Tomography.  

How Much Does A CT scan Cost? 

As mentioned before, the cost of a CT scan will depend upon several factors, such as location, insurance, type of scan, and professional fees. Further, the specific body part that is being examined also matters significantly. If your doctor requires the scan to be conducted with contrast, that too is likely to increase the price. Generally, CT scans in India can cost anywhere between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 10000.  

Will A CT scan Show Everything? 

CT scans show a slice or a cross-section of a part of the body. The image obtained shows your bones, tissues and organs more clearly than the usual x-rays.  

CT scans can also show a tumour’s size, shape and area where it is located. Moreover, they can even show a patient’s blood vessels that feed the tumour, all without the patient having to go through an incision. Doctors can use a CT scan for a variety of reasons. Some examples include: 

• CT scans can easily detect joint and bone-related problems, like complex fractures and tumours. 
• CT scans can also spot if you have conditions like heart disease, cancer, or liver masses. 
• They are also able to show internal bleeding and injuries, like those caused by a car accident.  
• They can help in locating blood clots, tumours, excessive fluid, and infections.  
• Doctors also use them to guide surgical procedures such as biopsies.  
• In many cases, doctors use CT scans to detect if certain treatments are working. For instance, scans of tumours over time can show if it is responding to chemotherapy or not.  

CT scan vs MRI – What’s The Difference? 

Both CT scans vs MRIs are used to capture images inside your body. The fundamental difference between a CT scan and an MRI is that MRIs use radio waves, whereas CT scans use X-rays to produce images.  

While both are low-risk tests, there are some differences between the two. CT scans are more widely used and are typically less expensive than MRI scans. However, MRIs are thought to be superior to CT scans because of the detailing of the image.  

Both CT scans and MRIs have their risks.  

CT scan risks include: 

• Small doses of radiation are used 
• Harmful for unborn babies 
• Possible reaction to the use of dyes 

On the other hand, the risks of MRI scans include: 

• Claustrophobia 
• Loud noises from the machine 
• Increase in body temperature in long MRI scans 
• Possible reaction to metals due to the use of magnets 

Choosing Between an MRI And A CT scan 

In most cases, your doctor will suggest you the right scan based on your symptoms and conditions. If you need a more detailed view of the organs, tissues or vessels, chances are that your doctor will suggest you an MRI scan. These cases include: 

• Torn ligaments 
• Herniated disks 
• Soft tissue conditions 

What Are CT scans With Contrast? 

In CT scans, dense objects like bones are easily visible. However, soft tissues are not that clear. Soft tissues are often produced as faint images.  

To help them appear in a more detailed way, a special dye known as contrast material is needed. They will block the x-rays and will appear white on the CT scan, highlighting vessels, organs, blood and other structures. Usually, contrast material, also known as contrast medium is made up of barium sulfate or iodine.  

CT scans When Pregnant 

It is generally not advised to get the scan during pregnancy. However, if the pelvis or the abdomen region is not being scanned, such as in a head or a chest CT scan, there is no risk to the child from the radiation.  

Generally, the amount of radiation used in a normal scan is not proven to cause any harm to the baby. However, if the abdomen or the pelvis area is being scanned, then there might be a very slight risk to the child.  

CT scans are a popular imaging technique in the medical field, even when more detailed procedures like MRIs exist. X-Ray city and Scan Clinic has been one of the most renowned diagnostic centres in Delhi NCR.