What Does a CT Scan Show?
CT scans are great for looking at parts of the body that have air, blood, or calcium. This makes them one of the best tools for checking your lungs, which are filled with air!
What to Expect
Some patients worry about feeling enclosed during imaging exams, but a CT scan is different from an MRI. The scanner is open and shaped like a large ring, so you’re not inside a long, closed tube. You can see the room around you, and the exam is quick—helping you feel more comfortable throughout the process.
CT scans are commonly used to evaluate a wide range of conditions, including tumors and infections, muscle and bone injuries such as fractures, abdominal and pelvic concerns, heart and blood vessel conditions, as well as the brain, spine, chest, and lungs.
Common Uses of CT
Doctors may recommend a CT scan to:
- See the size, shape, and location of a tumor
- Help guide biopsies by placing a needle with precision
- Plan treatments, including radiation therapy
- Check for internal injuries after an accident or trauma
- Look for conditions such as aneurysms or stroke
How a CT Scan Works
During the exam, you will lie on a comfortable table that moves slowly through the scanner. As you pass through, the machine takes a series of detailed images, which a computer combines to create a clear, three-dimensional view of your body. In some cases, a contrast material may be given, either to drink or through an IV, to help certain areas show up more clearly.
Specialized CT Services Offered at Houston Medical Imaging
- Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening (LDCT): A quick, non-invasive exam that uses a low amount of radiation to help find lung cancer early.
- Calcium Scoring: A heart scan that measures calcium buildup in your arteries to help assess your risk for heart disease.
- CT Angiography (CTA): A detailed look at your blood vessels to check for blockages or other issues with blood flow.
- CCTA with Plaque Analysis: An advanced heart scan that gives doctors a closer look at the arteries supplying your heart, including plaque buildup that may not be seen on other tests.
