Home | Health
CAT scan A CAT scan is a painless procedure. CAT is a computed axial tomography that is done using multiple x-rays. These x-rays are taken from various angles and a three-dimensional image of body structures is created. However, CAT scans are constantly increasing and these scans employ digital x-rays to standard x-rays allowing the images to be observed on a computer screen. CAT scans are imaging methods that are technologically advanced and used in detecting the gynecological conditions such as endometrial and ovarian cancer. A CAT scan implies the usage of higher levels of intensity radiation for a very long period of time. Hence, pregnant women are restricted from having chest CAT scan or abdominal scan. This is restricted as a precaution to prevent the fetus from being exposed to radiation. This protection is necessary because there are possibilities of childhood cancer or development of malformations. Generally, CAT scans are performed in an imaging center or a hospital. A radiologist or radiology technicians who specialize in this field conduct the tests effortlessly. CAT scans are done using a special device that has a long tube containing an x-ray gun, detectors and a narrow bed at the center. The time taken for a CAT scan is based on the requirements of the physician and the CAT scanner type in use. Normally, a CAT scan needs 10 to 20 minutes, while other scans take longer time i.e. nearly an hour. Sometimes patients are given sedatives and these patients cannot go home immediately following the tests. But, in most instances, the patient can immediately get back to their normal activities after their scan. Cat scans are of optimal use in diagnosing numerous medical disorders. The CAT scan is the best way to produce images of blood and soft tissues and bones. The CAT scan can also be used to locate pelvic cancer and the lines of the abdominal cavity. These scans are of immense use in detecting the compilation of abdominal tumors or fluid. The images collected by CAT scans are of great help to a physician in placing a needle or a catheter in an appropriate location for many procedures such as a breast tissue biopsy. CAT scan is very beneficial for women. A CAT scan can also guide a physician to administer a needle correctly so that he or she can drain fluid buildup. This scan helps in identifying any irregularity in a patient’s organ. A CAT scan produces pictures with clarity, especially of the lungs and the heart. The scan of the head helps a physician determine if a stroke was due to cerebral swelling or cerebral hemorrhage. A physician can identify the exact damage. Many people have CAT scans done on a yearly basis. They opt for full body scans to detect for any ailment and in hopes of being cured in the initial stages. Though, CAT scans detect various diseases, often patients have to go for additional tests to ascertain a diagnosis. For instance, a CAT scan detects abdominal mass, but it is essential to go for a biopsy to confirm if it is a cancerous mass.
Article Source: http://www.article.directory4u.org
Jason Smythe is author of this article on CAT Scan. Find more information about CT Scan here.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
