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CT SCANS
Computed tomography ct scan, ct scan cat scan, helical ct scan
CT Scans are high tech computerized X Rays that is very useful to diagnose
many diseases like cancer , cardiac disease, and other abnormalities which
can’t be diagnoses using an X Ray. The use of this scanning machine involves
its own risks. Since it uses radiation to find the defects in the body
it should be used only when it is really necessary for patients who have
symptoms. If there are no symptoms there is no need to take CT scan
The FDA’s centre for Devices and Radiological health is concerned about
the patients being exposed to radiation It has both advantage and disadvantage,
The advantage is that it is very helpful to diagnose certain diseases
like cancer at an early stage and the disadvantage is that it is sometimes
they don’t have any health significance. The FDA is worried that since
no screening test is 100% accurate that some times the doctor may be mislead
and the patient might be compelled to take operations where it is not
necessary, If there is no problem the patient would have got exposure
to the radiation unnecessarily. So care should be taken to take the patient
for CT scan only if some symptoms are visible in the patients.
While taking the scan the patient is made to lie down inside X-Ray tube
in the form of a doughnut and radiation is transmitted through the patients
in various angles by rotating the X-Ray tube. Detectors placed inside
the machine measures the radiation transmitted through the body and these
data are converted into electrical signals. A computer gathers the signals
and an image are displayed on the monitor. The technologist or radiologist
Interpret the images and give a report giving information about the patient’s
condition.
The FDA gives license for the device with the hope that they will be used
only for symptomatic people who really needs it.
The American College of Radiology and the Director of Cancer screening
at the American Cancer Society for taking Computed Tomography for patients
with no symptom They say there is no evidence that they procedure is cost
effective or effective in prolonging the life of the patient.
The patients should in the first place go to the doctor only if they have
any symptoms. The doctor should also be cautious not to send a patient
who does have any symptoms stating the presence of the disease. Unless
otherwise it is necessary it is not advisable to go for CT full body scan.
We can’t be negative all the time and miss diagnosing any disease. Before
going to the doctor see to it that he is well qualified and does not drag
you in the wrong direction.
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