CT SCREENING

A CT scan works by taking a series of X-ray images from many different angles around your body. A computer then processes these images and combines them to create detailed, 2D and 3D pictures of your internal organs, bones, and soft tissues. This technology provides far more detail than a standard X-ray.

It's important to differentiate a screening CT from a diagnostic CT. A CT screening is performed on people without symptoms to look for early signs of disease. A diagnostic CT, on the other hand, is used to investigate the cause of specific symptoms you are already experiencing, such as pain or shortness of breath, or to follow up on an abnormality found on another test.

Types of CT Screening

Different types of CT screening are designed to look at specific areas of the body where the risk of disease may be high.

Low-Dose CT for Lung Screening

This is a critical test for detecting early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. A low dose ct for lung screening is specifically recommended for current or former heavy smokers. By finding lung cancer before it causes symptoms, treatment is more likely to be successful. It is a quick, non-invasive scan that provides a detailed view of the lungs, capable of identifying tiny nodules that would be invisible on a standard chest X-ray.

CT Scan for Heart Screening (Coronary Calcium Scan)

A ct scan for heart screening, also known as a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan, is used to assess the risk of future heart attacks. This scan detects and measures the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries of your heart. This plaque is a sign of coronary artery disease. Your result is given as a "calcium score," which helps your doctor understand your risk level and recommend preventive measures, such as medication or lifestyle changes.

What is a full body CT scan?

A full body CT scan is an examination that scans the body from the chest through the pelvis. Its goal is to screen for early signs of cancer or other diseases in multiple organs simultaneously. While the idea of a comprehensive check-up is appealing, the medical community has an ongoing debate about the utility of full body CT scans for the general, asymptomatic population. The risk-vs-benefit ratio is a key consideration, as these scans can lead to a higher number of incidental findings, requiring further investigation. It is not typically a routine preventive ct scan and should be discussed at length with your physician.

A radiologist meticulously examines the images for specific markers of disease. Depending on the type of scan, they consider:

• Lungs: The presence, size, shape, and characteristics of any nodules (spots).
• Heart: The location and total amount of hard, calcified plaque in the coronary arteries to calculate the Calcium Score.
• Other Organs (in full-body scans): The scan can reveal abnormal growths, cysts, or changes in the size and shape of organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas. It can also detect conditions like aortic aneurysms.

Making the decision to undergo a CT screening is a proactive step toward managing your health. Primary reasons include:

• High-Risk Lifestyle Factors: A history of long-term, heavy smoking is the leading indication for a low-dose lung screening.
• Strong Family History: If close relatives have suffered from heart disease at a young age, a coronary calcium scan can provide valuable risk assessment.
• Preventive Health Planning: Using a preventive ct scan can establish a health baseline, allowing for future comparisons to monitor for any changes over time.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Screening?

A CT screening is not for everyone; it is most valuable for individuals who have a high risk for specific diseases. Your doctor may recommend a screening based on your age, lifestyle, and family medical history.

Key patient groups who benefit from this test include:

• Long-term or heavy smokers: For lung cancer screening.
• Individuals with a strong family history of heart disease: For a heart screening to assess coronary artery plaque.
• People interested in proactive health monitoring: A preventive ct scan can serve as a baseline to track health over time, although this should always be discussed with a doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.

Benefits of Taking the Test

The advantages of a targeted CT Screening can be life-changing.

• Early Detection: This is the single most important benefit. Detecting diseases like lung cancer at Stage 1 can increase survival rates significantly compared to detection at later stages.
• Peace of Mind: For individuals worried due to their risk factors, a clear, negative scan can provide immense reassurance and reduce anxiety.
• Informing Lifestyle Changes: A concerning result, such as a high coronary calcium score, can be a powerful motivator. It provides concrete evidence that encourages patients to improve their diet, start an exercise regimen, quit smoking, and take control of their health.

Ready to take a proactive step for your health? Discuss your screening options with our specialists or schedule your appointment today.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Screening

CT screening is instrumental in the early detection of several serious conditions, including:

• Early-Stage Lung Cancer
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)
• Kidney Tumors
• Liver Tumors or Masses

Preparing for your CT screening at Cadabams Diagnostics is simple and straightforward.

• Clothing: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your appointment. You may be asked to change into a medical gown to ensure that no metal on your clothes interferes with the scan.
• Metal Objects: You will need to remove all metal objects, including jewellery, hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, as metal can affect the quality of the CT images.
• Diet: For most non-contrast screening CTs, there are no specific dietary restrictions. You can typically eat and drink as normal. If your specific test requires any special preparation, our team will provide you with clear instructions beforehand.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral is generally required. This ensures the CT screening is appropriate for your specific health profile and risk factors.
• Please bring any previous, relevant imaging reports (such as prior CT scans or X-rays) with you. This allows our radiologists to make valuable comparisons.

Best Time to Take the CT Screening

There is no "best" time of day for a CT screening. The test is not affected by the time it is performed, so you can schedule your appointment at your convenience with our team at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Eligibility

Eligibility for screening is based on established medical guidelines to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

• Lung Screening: Typically recommended for adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history (e.g., smoking one pack a day for 20 years) and either currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
• Heart Screening: Generally for adults who have intermediate risk factors for heart disease (e.g., family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure). It is not usually recommended for individuals at very low risk (where a positive result is unlikely) or very high risk (who should already be receiving aggressive treatment).

Procedure for Taking a CT Screening

The procedure is quick, efficient, and painless. Our technologist will guide you through every step.

• Step 1: You will be asked to lie down on a narrow, motorized table. Depending on the scan, you may lie on your back, side, or stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you stay in the correct position and remain still.
• Step 2: The table will slide smoothly into the center of the large, circular CT scanner. The machine is open at both ends, so you will not be fully enclosed.
• Step 3: As the scanner's X-ray tube rotates around you, the table will move slowly through the machine. To ensure the images are sharp and free of motion blur, our technologist will communicate with you through an intercom and ask you to hold your breath for very short periods (usually 10-15 seconds at a time).
• Step 4: The entire imaging process is very fast, often completed in less than a minute. The total time in the room is typically under 15 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, please inform our staff at Cadabams Diagnostics about the following:

• Pregnancy: If there is any possibility that you might be pregnant, please tell us. Radiation can be harmful to a developing fetus.
• Allergies: Let us know about any known allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast materials, even if none are planned for your scan.
• Medical Conditions: Mention any serious health conditions you have, such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease.