A CT scan (short for Computed Tomography scan) is a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It's often used to diagnose diseases, monitor conditions, and guide certain treatments.

What It Shows?

• Bones

• Organs (like lungs, liver, kidneys, etc.)

• Blood vessels

• Soft tissues

• Tumors or internal bleeding

What are some common uses of the procedure?

• One of the fastest and most accurate tools for examining the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.

• Used to examine patients with injuries from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident.

• Performed on patients with acute symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain or difficulty breathing.

• Often the best method for detecting cancers in the chest, abdomen and pelvis, such as lymphoma and cancers of the lung, liver, kidney, ovary and pancreas. It's considered the best method since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor, measure its size, identify its precise location and determine the extent of its involvement with other nearby tissue.

• An examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for aortic aneurysms.