What is Computed Tomography Used For?
CT is used in various medical circumstances where highly specific information, such as the size, density and location of a tumour or malformation, is required. Typically, CT is used for the following situations: • Diagnosis • Surgery • Precursor to therapies (usually radiation therapy) CT is commonly used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Other common uses for CT include: • Detecting or confirming the existence of tumours • Determining the size and location of the tumor • Determining whether or not a tumour has spread • Guiding a biopsy (a small needle used to remove cell or tissue samples for microscopic analysis) • Planning the course of radiation treatment • Determining whether cancer is responding to treatment • Diagnosing disease • Discovering the location and extent of trauma • Measuring bone density to check for osteoporosis CT scans can provide detailed information of just about every part of the body.
