What is Computed Tomography?
Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging method for creating detailed pictures or scans of areas within the body using a special x-ray. It combines x-ray images taken from different angles and creates cross-sectional images of bones, veins and soft tissues. Sections taken are combined by a computer to create a 3D image.
Why is Computed Tomography (CT) taken?
- Diagnosis of bone fractures, disorders or bone tumors
- In the determination of injuries and internal bleeding in internal organs.
- Determining the location of the tumor, infection or blood clot in the body
- In the planning of surgery, biopsy or radiation treatments
- Providing visual aid in certain interventional procedures, such as biopsy or needle aspiration
- Identifying diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses
- Measuring bone resistance
- In monitoring the effectiveness of some treatments such as cancer treatment
- Determining the stage of cancer
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Kidney and bladder stones
- Inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and sinusitis
What are the points to be considered before computing tomography?
- Patients who are pregnant or have a suspicion of pregnancy should share this information with their doctor.
- Those with conditions such as allergies, diabetes, thyroid or kidney failure should inform their doctor.
- If there is a fear of staying in a closed area, it should be shared with the doctor.
- Information should be given about devices attached to the body, such as a pacemaker or medication pump.
- It may be necessary to starve before computed tomography. The doctor should be consulted on this subject.
- The circular region of the computed tomography machine may be narrow for obese patients. The evaluation of this should be done in advance, if necessary, a different alternative should be selected.
Is Computed Tomography harmful?
Since the computed tomography provides more detailed imaging, the amount of radiation is higher than the X-ray. However, given the benefit it provides in important situations such as bleeding, blood clots, or cancer in potentially life-threatening conditions, the tiny damage that radiation will cause appears insignificant.
Computed Tomography in Pregnancy
If the body area displayed during computed tomography is not the abdomen or pelvis area, the applied radiation is not a risk for the unborn baby. However, you should still talk to your doctor about the pregnancy status/suspicion before the procedure. Accordingly, your doctor can evaluate options such as MR or ultrasound.
Computed Tomography For Children
Children are more sensitive to radiation. Children who have undergone multiple Computed Tomography scanning before the age of 15 have been found to have an increased risk of leukemia and brain tumor within 10 years. It is not recommended unless its necessity is vital.
