Computed Tomography Scan, also called CAT scanning is a non-invasive medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. To produce multiple images of the inside of the body, CAT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers.
A Computed Tomography Scan can be used to study different parts of the body such as the chest, belly, pelvis, or an arm or leg. CAT scanning is used to take images of body organs, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart.
As compared to regular x-ray exams, Computed Tomography scan provides more detailed information about the internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels. Radiologists can use specialized equipments to create and interpret CT scans of the body and for diagnosing several medical problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, appendicitis, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
This imaging technique is considered to be the best and fastest medical tool for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis, as it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissues. This imaging technique is preferred for diagnosing different types of cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. The images produced by this technique allows doctors to confirm the presence of a tumor and enable them to measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissues. This examination plays a pivotal role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can eventually lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. This technique is used to assess a blood clot in the lung vessels and also for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
For diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures, CAT scanning is preferred that can clearly display very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.
For children, CAT imaging is considered to be a suitable method for evaluating lymphoma, neuroblastoma, congenital malformations of blood vessels and the kidneys.
However, soft-tissue details in areas such as the brain, internal pelvic organs, knee or shoulder cannot be seen clearly using this method.
