Computed Tomography
When doctors come across a very serious ailment which cannot be diagnosed by basic tests they recommend advanced investigations, where CT scan is one of them. CT stands for Computed Tomography. This test involves use of X-rays for doing comprehensive study of the inner body structure by pictorial means. The patient is made to lie on a table that has CT scanner attached to it. The scanner moves over the body part at a fast speed taking fraction of a second to rotate over it and in the process, sends X-rays through the area being examined and takes CT pictures. The pictures so taken are computed and can be printed, thus made available for detailed study.
For ease of making the structures identifiable from other structures around, doctors use Iodine as colorant or dye. This can also be used to monitor blood flow or any other body function to detect suspected abnormality. This technique can be utilized in various ways depending on the purpose of the investigation and the affected part that needs to be examined so as to have accurate details. Doctors may also give oral dose of the dye if the investigation so requires. CT scan may be used to investigate any part in the body, from head to toes and also the inner organs, nervous system, arteries and veins, and even the spinal cord.
CT scan has extensive usage in detecting abnormalities for almost all parts of the body. Starting from the head- there is brain scan and retinal scan for eyes, and so going downward, the respiratory system, heart and related blood vessels. Any infection, bleeding, swelling or abnormal growth in the abdomen which houses some of the vital parts in the digestive process such as the pancreas, liver, spleen, intestines, adrenal glands, gall bladder etc, can be detected and treated using CT scan.
Our urinary tract performs an important function in our body. Kidneys an important pair of organs responsible for body cleansing, get affected due to kidney stones or the urinary tract gets blocked due to stones. This system is also prone to other infections. CT scan is very effective in detecting such problems.
The pelvic portion, especially in women is susceptible to variety of problems. Doctors have successfully treated ailments related to uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, through use of CT scan to correctly diagnose the ailment. In case of men prostate glands and seminal vesicles have also been treated by using CT scan. The skeletal parts or bones, to make it sound simpler, do develop interior damages which cannot be detected by basic examination. CT scan is extensively used to detect these and treatment given accordingly.
Whether an ailment is in its initial or advanced stage of development, if done in time, CT scan is the right tool available to medical fraternity to save precious organs and lives.
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