Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

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diagnostic imaging, medical imaging, medical image

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnosing injuries, diseases and conditions would be nearly impossible today without the range of methods available to look inside the human body. This guide explains the different techniques, how they work, and what to expect if one of them is ordered for you.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Computed tomography scans, or CT scans, combine X-rays with a computer’s assistance to create cross-sectional images showing more than standard X-rays. Use this section of the guide to learn how CT scans work, why they are used and what to expect during a CT scan.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • CT scans help doctors see the body’s internal organs, such as the brain. The scans help diagnose tumors, lesions and other problems with an organ’s structure.

Dulcinea's Picks

For an overview of CT scans …
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a page that explains what computed tomography (CT) imaging is and how it works.
go to site »
The National Cancer Institute answers common questions about how CT scans work and what a person can expect during the exam. Though the page also discusses tumors and cancer, the information about CT is applicable to anyone.
go to site »
For the types of CT scans…
RadiologyInfo has more in-depth descriptions of specific CT scan studies, such as CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy) and CT angiography, used to look at blood vessels.
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Endoscopy

Endoscopy allows doctors to see inside the human body by inserting a narrow tube with an attached ... read more »

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets, and sub-atomic structures in the body, to look at ... read more »

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is primarily used to examine organ function rather than structure. To see how an ... read more »

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a procedure used to generate images of structures and tissues within the body. Images ... read more »

X-Ray

X-ray technology is one of the oldest imaging methods available. Even though there are more ... read more »

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