The CT scan is one of the most useful diagnostic tools in the cancer toolkit. As a cancer sufferer you are likely to come across it more than once, and it is important therefore to understand exactly how it works and what it is for. As with all medical procedures and technical terms associated with cancer, patient education is the key to wellbeing and approaching your treatment with confidence.
The computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan is a tool used to detect cancer and establish its stage of development. It is a vital first step in forming the most suitable treatment plan for you, as well as giving you the most accurate idea of your prognosis. CT scans continue to be used during courses of chemo- or radio- therapy to evaluate the success of the treatment. They are an essential tool in step by step planning as well as in guiding biopsies for some types of cancer.
A CTscan creates a picture of the body using a three-dimensional x-ray machine. A computer combines a succession of x-ray images into a cross-section which can be fully examined for any sign of abnormalities. A special dye is sometimes used in combination with the CT scan, in order to create a more detailed image. Like the PET scan, the use of this dye carries a small risk of radiation exposure. This risk is minimal and unlikely to be a concern unless you are having multiple CT scans – in this case you may wish to discuss the risk more deeply with your doctor.
A medical scan like the CT scan can seem a scary prospect, especially when your future hangs in the balance. Be assured that this kind of scan is a specialist medical procedure in its own right and as such will only ever be performed by a qualified radiologic technologist and interpreted by a radiologist. A common reason for anxiety is a lack of information or self-preparation for the procedure. Be sure to establish your own sense of confidence and mental wellness before undergoing the procedure. Your doctor is duty-bound to make all the information you need available to you, so be sure to find all the knowledge you need to feel prepared.
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