CT scans can be used to scan only one organ (eg heart) or scan the whole body in general.
CT scan is often paired with other scanning method called positron emission tomography, or PET scans to get results much faster.
Here are the common types of CT scans performed:
1. CT Scan Abdomen
Abdominal CT scans are used to diagnose patients with problems in organs in the abdominal cavity.
CT scans provide more detailed visual data than conventional X-ray scanning. CT scan of the abdomen can diagnose problems in various organs including the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine, bladder, and gall bladder.
2. CT Scan Whole Body
Whole body CT scan produces three-dimensional images of all the bones and organ systems.
Whole body CT scan is usually done from the bottom of the chin to just below the hips, although if necessary can be done from head to toe.
CT scan of the whole body is generally done as a precaution to look for signs of disease or abnormality.
3. Brain CT Scan
CT scan of the brain was done specifically to scan the brain organ. These scans are used to diagnose brain injury, brain trauma, tumor or cancer, and aneurysms.
In addition, brain CT scans can also be used to find cavities in the brain in people who suffer from hydrocephalus. CT scan of the brain is also very helpful in preparing for radiation therapy and help doctors find brain tumor that requires a biopsy.
4. Chest CT Scan
CT scan of the chest gives doctors a three-dimensional image with a chest cavity more image detail than that provided by traditional scanning X-ray.
Chest CT scan shows detailed images of the lungs, ribs, heart, and blood vessels and arteries chest. CT scans can show a number of problems, including clogged arteries, heart problems, and cancer.
5. Organ Specific CT Scan
In addition to the various types of the above, CT scans can also be performed on certain organs as needed.
CT scans of the heart, for example, provide visual information to help diagnose heart disease and clogged arteries. CT scan of the kidneys and liver can help diagnose problems in the kidneys and liver.