X-rays are history when technology has now advanced to CT
scans, which are very commonly heard of. To start with, CT scan is Computed Tomography
scan, also known as CAT scan - Computerized Axial Tomography, which is a
sophisticated x-ray procedure. During the scan, multiple images are taken and
are compiled into cross-sectional images of bone, soft tissue, and blood
vessels. The advantage of CT scan is that it can obtain images of those parts
which a standard x-ray tomography
cannot and hence, it helps in earlier diagnosis and successfully alleviating
many diseases. Although CT imaging involves X-rays, its diagnostic benefits
outweigh the harm of the exposure to radiation.
The history of Computerized Tomography Scan can be traced
back to 1970s, when it was discovered by a British engineer by the name of Dr.
Alan Cormack and Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and they have jointly won the 1979
Nobel Prize for it. First CT scanner was installed in 1974 and currently the
number exceeds 6000 in the US. Advanced medical services have now made the
procedure more comfortable and faster and the outcomes are also improved
diagnostic capabilities and high-resolution images, which is beneficial for the
radiologists.
CT scans help the doctors focus on small nodules and tumors,
which are not visible in an X-ray. These scans are often used to examine the
brain, chest, neck, spine, abdomen, sinuses and pelvis. This scan has
revolutionized medicine as Computerized Tomography Scan helps to find minute
details which could earlier be found only with an autopsy or a surgery.
Computerized Tomography Scan can be called a non-invasive and safe procedure.
Though CT scan and MRI are considered similar, the
comparison of MRI vs. CT scan shows that MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic
field to produce images, unlike a CT, which uses x-rays. The comparison can be
done, depending on what needs to be visualized and the reason for the test.
While Computerized Tomography Scan is preferred modality for cancer, bleeding
in the brain due to injury, abnormal chest x-rays and pneumonia, MRI is the
best choice for tendons and ligaments, like density and composition of the
spinal cord, or tumor in the brain. CAT is superior when it comes to examining
the lungs and organs in the chest cavity and hence people mostly prefer chest
Computerized Tomography Scan along with Computerized Tomography Scan brain.
CT scan procedures are painless and generally take about
five to ten minutes. However, more complicated scans or inaccuracies can make
some scans last up to 30 minutes in length. The majority of these scans are
fast and easy. New innovations are decreasing the amount of time that the
procedure takes, making it more efficient.
The pictures collected by the Computerized Tomography Scan
are slices of the different part of the body which helps focus on a particular
area. The new technology offers the multi-slice spiral CT scanners which
collect 8 times more data than the previous ones. Technology proves to be a
boon for the medical field.
