Why is a CT Scan done?

Why is a CT Scan done?

Doctors use CT scans to study areas of the body, such as the brain, chest, or belly. CT scans are also used to assist or check on the success of a procedure or surgery. An example of this is when a CT is used to guide a needle into the body during a tissue biopsy.

A CT scan can be performed to :

• diagnose infections, muscle disorders, and bone fractures
• pinpoint the location of masses and tumors (including cancer)
• study the blood vessels and other internal structures
• assess the extent of internal injuries and internal bleeding
• guide procedures, such as surgeries and biopsies
• monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain medical conditions, including cancer and heart disease

References : This material has been put together with resources collected from the following sources : mayoclinic.org, emedicinehealth.com, radiologyinfo.org