CT colonography or CT pneumococci is also known as Virtual Colonoscopy or VC, shortly. The full form of CT is Computed Tomographic. It is a procedure of medical imaging by using x-rays. Besides, computers produce images (two or three dimensional) of the large intestine. From the rectum to the small intestine, it works to display the lowest part to the lower end on a screen. The procedure is used to diagnose bowel and colon disease, diverticulosis, including colorectal cancer and Polyps.
Computed tomography is more generally known as a CT or CAT scan. It is a diagnostic medical imaging test. Besides, CT colonography gives another benefit of revealing abnormalities or disease outside the colon. It produces multiple pictures of the inside of the body like a traditional x-ray. Moreover, CT images of bones, internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue provide greater detail than traditional x-rays. Particularly of blood vessels and soft tissues.
What are some common uses of a CT scan?
The main reason for performing CT colonography is to display for cancers or polyps in the large intestine. Very small numbers of polyps may increase and change into cancers. Polyps increase and arise from the lining of the intestine in our inner body. It is essential in emergency cases, doctors of Radiology Center at Harding colon cancer, a persistent change in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort or pain, the presence of blood in the stool, unexplained bloating, and weight loss.
Reasons that you need a CT scan:
- CT colonography has a much lower risk.
- Elderly patients, especially those who will tolerate CT colonography.
- CT colonography provides clear and detailed images.
- This minimally invasive test provides both 2-D and 3-D images.
In Morristown, New Jersey, it has been observed that the X-rays used in CT scans should have no serious side effects. CT colonography is less costly than colonoscopy. After a CT examination, we have no radiation remaining in a patient's body.
The Advantages of CT Colonography:
- It is more pleasant than regular colonoscopy for some people.
- The lack of sedation also decreases the risk of the procedure.
- VC introduces images in more detail, looks so clean and clear.
- It provides a secondary benefit of revealing abnormalities or disease outside the colon.
- Approximately one unsuspected extracolonic cancer was detected.
- It takes less time than a lower GI series.
If you are in Morristown, New Jersey, you can go for a CT Colonography test at Radiology Center at Harding.
The Disadvantages of CT Colonography:
- It is impossible to take tissue samples, during virtual colonoscopy.
- To ionizing radiation, Virtual colonoscopy performed with CT exposes the patient.
- Less sensitivity than conventional colonoscopy.
- VC does not show detailed images like a conventional colonoscopy.
A virtual colonoscopy procedure might prove its worth for patients on blood-thinning medications or who may not be candidates for a conventional. Virtual colonoscopy takes only 10 to 15 minutes and never requires anesthesia. Famous radiologist of the Radiology Center at Harding reviews the images from the virtual colonoscopy to look for polyps on the inside of the colon that can sometimes turn into colon cancer.
