special subjects
Computed Tomography (CT)
Uses of CT
The highly detailed images provide more detail about tissue density and location of abnormalities than x-rays, so doctors can precisely locate structures and abnormalities. CT enables the examiner to distinguish between different types of tissue, such as muscle, fat, and connective tissues. Thus, CT can provide detailed images of specific organs not visible on x-rays and is more useful for imaging most structures in the brain, head, neck, chest, and abdomen. CT can detect and provide information about disorders in almost every part of the body. For example, doctors can use CT to detect a tumor, measure its size, precisely locate it, and determine how far it has spread into nearby tissues. CT can also help doctors monitor the effectiveness of treatment (such as antibiotics for a brain abscess or radiation therapy for a tumor). 