Why Would a Doctor Suggest a CT scan of the Lungs?

CT scan of lungs

CT scan imaging is the most common test that is carried out worldwide to detect and diagnose diseases. It’s a painless and non-invasive procedure that involves the use of low-dose X-rays for screening.  A rotating X-ray beam is used in the process to screen the concerned area. The CT scan of lungs or any other area is more viable than a standard x-ray test for cancer or nodule identification due to excellent x-rays penetration in the body. 

How is the Process done?

Getting a CT scan is not so typical; however, the test’s preparation might start a few hours before the actual test is conducted A special dye (contrast material) is used to detect the disease in the body. The dye enters the body and blocks x-rays enabling such area to appear white in the imaging. The dye is either injected into the body, or the patient has to drink it. When the contrast material is used for a CT scan of lungs, your doctor may ask you to fast for at least 5-6 hours before the test. 

During the CT scan of lungs, the patient cannot wear any metal as it can interfere with the screening. The patient is asked to lie down facing up on the table that slides into the CT scanner. The test is carried out through the control room, and the patient’s communication is done through the intercom. 

As soon as the table enters the CT scanner, the X-ray machine starts rotating, giving out several images of your body. You may hear some sounds when you’re in the scanner, but that’s the sound of the machine clicking pictures only. The procedure varies from patient to patient; however, the lungs’ CT scan does not take much time. 

Note that moving during the CT scan is strictly prohibited as it can disrupt the procedure and result in blur images. Your doctor can even ask you to hold your breath during the process for a few minutes to avoid chest movement. The doctor can also give you a sedative to keep you from moving altogether. 

After the process is completed, the images are sent to the radiologist for diagnosis. The results can then be sent to your doctor to discuss a treatment plan. 

Who Can Have CT Scan of Lungs?

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Radiology, American College of Chest Physicians, S. Preventive Services Task Force, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Thoracic Society, and American Cancer Society, patients between 55-77 years of age are the right candidate for CT scan of lungs. The risk factors for such patients include: 

• Smoking history of 30-years 
• Exposure to cancer-causing agents 
• Lung cancer history 

A CT scan of lungs is a great way to keep a tab on the patient’s health to assess the disease’s risk. It’s a form of follow-up process done every year, especially for lung cancer patients, to ensure that the cancer is not back. 

Why does a Doctor need a CT Scan for the Lungs?

A CT scan for the lungs can help predict many chest problems, often missed by standard x-ray imaging. Here is how a CT scan can help a doctor: 

• To check for any blockages 
• To detect injuries 
• To check for intrathoracic bleeding 
• To look for infections 
• To detect tumors in the chest 
• To find an answer for unexpected chest pains 

CT scan services are not limited to CT scan of lungs only, but a full-body CT scan can also be carried out to look for problems in any part. This process is usually carried out when the results of other physical or x-ray exams are not conclusive. 

Risks of CT scan for Lungs

Although this procedure is considered safe, some people can face a few risks of the CT scan. CT scan of lungs emits more radiation into the patient’s body as compared to the standard X-rays. The risk can increase, especially if the patient has received more than one CT scan. Cancer patients are more at risk as they get frequent CT scans to track the progress of tumors in the body before and after receiving the treatment. The CT scan for the lungs and abdomen usually has a high risk. 

Apart from radiation, some patients develop an allergic reaction to the contrast material. The material primarily consists of iodine, so it’s best to communicate with your doctor if you are allergic to iodine. Your doctor can provide you with medicine or steroids to cater to the contrast material’s potential side-effects. 

Pregnant patients should tell their doctor about their pregnancy before going for a CT scan for the lungs. The radiation will not harm your baby, but the doctor might recommend another exam for the least exposure. 

The Bottomline

CT scan can make it easy for the doctor to diagnose the patient’s condition. It’s a harmless exam done for both adults and children. If your doctor recommended you this exam, then there is a considerable chance that other tests have failed to diagnose your condition correctly. 

Searching for the best diagnostic imaging services in NJ, USA, is not so difficult. Several imaging labs are famous for their transparency and high-quality CT scan services. Ensure that you get the CT scan of your lungs done by the best service provider to avoid any problems with the result. Your doctor will prepare your treatment plan based on your CT scan of the lungs, so invest your time finding the best affordable imaging lab in your town. 

If you want error-free results, listen to your doctor and follow their guidelines before the CT exam to ensure that your money does not go in vain. CT scans of lungs be a little expensive, but they give out accurate results. Once the CT scans of the lungs are done, your doctor can make a confirmed diagnosis, and the treatment can start as soon as possible