Computed Tomography
North Houston Cancer Clinics' understanding of what entails a physical examination for cancer will go far away from allaying anxiety attached to diagnostic processes. Our team is committed to providing you with a comprehensive, caring, and dignified experience during your examination.
Mechanics of Action and Consequences
How CT scans are done and what they can give:
X-ray Imaging: CT scans employ the X-ray method to take numerous body images from diverse angles.
Just as it sounds, a computer turns these photos into a well-detailed 3D impression of your insides.
Detecting Tumor: The CT scans even show tiny lumps that reveal where, how large, or what shape they have taken.
TNM Staging: It gives clear pictures indicating whether and how far cancer has spread—these guide oncologists in planning appropriate therapy modalities.
Treatment Monitoring: It is beneficial for assessing the efficacy of cancer treatment—it is either shrinking or needs tweaking.
CT scans such as these are similar to super cameras, which are used by doctors who always want to do away with cancer for good.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans in Cancer Diagnosis
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are versatile imaging tools used in cancer diagnosis, offering detailed views of internal structures. There are different types of CT scanners for other cancers, which include:
- Contrast-Enhanced CT Scan: In this type of CT scan, a contrast agent dye is injected into the blood system to more precisely show some structures or deformations. It is applied to visualizing blood vessels, organs, and tumors.
- Whole Body CT Scan: A whole-body scan uses X-rays taken at various angles around your body and then produces detailed pictures that may show if cancer has spread beyond its point of origin. Because our bodies are large, this test often takes a few minutes.
- Thoracic CT Scan:Regarding the chest, this type of CT scan captures images of the thoracic region. These scans can detect lung cancer, provide information about how far it has spread, and monitor treatment response.
- Abdominal CT Scan:These exams examine the organs and everything inside your abdomen, including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines. Abdominal scans help diagnose cancer that affects parts of your digestive system, like stomach or colon cancer, as well as liver tumors.
- Pelvic CT Scan:A pelvic CT scan is an examination that focuses on the area below one's abdomen. We perform these tests to evaluate or manage specific types of cancers affecting either sex: ovarian, cervical, prostate, etc.
- Head and Neck CT Scan:During a head and neck computed tomography (CT) scan, images are taken to show structures such as bones, muscles, fat, and organs in much more detail than a regular x-ray. This test is used to diagnose throat, mouth, salivary gland brain tumors, among others
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Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography):A virtual colonoscopy is an imaging procedure used for early detection of colorectal or colon cancer by identifying polyps or other abnormalities in your rectum. It can be an alternative route for certain groups who refuse traditional examinations called 'virtual colonoscopy.'
The choice of CT scan is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and where cancer is suspected to be found. CT scans help oncologists accurately diagnose cancer, determine its stage, and guide treatment decisions by taking detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
Effectivity of CT Scans
- Detail: These images provide doctors with a clear view of structures inside the body by showing which tumors are present and how these affect surrounding tissues.
- Speed: Hence, the quickness in diagnosis time detects lesions rapidly for a fast-track approach to treatment options.
- Flexibility: This makes them suitable for screening all types of cancers, making it possible to use them as a one-stop screening tool.
- Specialized Checks:Depending on the patient's history and symptoms, the examination may include specialized checks in areas often affected by cancer, like breasts, prostate, skin, and lymph nodes, among others. By conducting such careful assessments, we ensure that cancers are not undetected, allowing timely intervention.
Risks versus Benefits
- Early Diagnosis Early detection helps in fast treatments, thereby increasing the chances of survival rates.
- Accurate Staging: The proper treatment choices can be made using the exact information provided by C.T about the phase or stage at which a particular type of cancer has reached.
- Therapy Monitoring: They monitor the cancer's response to therapies and can modify them accordingly if necessary.
Less Invasive Procedures: Compared to surgery, N.H.C.C.’s Computed Tomography (CT) scans involve no surgical procedures – they require patient’s cooperation during scanning sessions to obtain accurate imaging. They usually generate cross-sectional images revealing a tumor’s existence, size, and precise location within the body.
Frequently Asked Question
CT’s show more than what X-rays do, while magnetic fields do not do MRI’s. But both have their places; CT’s are often more effective at finding tumors.
Yes, but this may need careful management since radiation exposure is possible, and one has to consider the accuracy of diagnosis or staging.
Depending on where the scan is being done, you might be told not to eat anything before it. Also, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drug or food.
CT scans are generally fast and painless procedures. You lie still for a few minutes during the scanning session.
The results will be reviewed at a follow-up visit, though urgent cases will have a quicker turn-around time.