CT Scan, Computed Tomography Types, Cost, MRI Scan vs CT Scan

What is a CT Scan?

Computed tomography (CT) can be defined as a radiographic procedure by which a 3D (3-dimensional) image of a body structure is attained by a computer from different angles or cross-sections. Computed tomography is also known as computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography.

Types of CT Scan

CT scans are defined by the purpose, the body part for which the scan is taken or the technique in which it is conducted. For example:

According to the body part to be examined, for example:

CT Screening of Neck Vessels (Carotid)
CT scan test for brain, heart, chest, lungs
CT Coronary Angiography of heart

CT with and without contrast:

CT with contrast is done with a radio-opaque dye. This contrast material blocks the X-rays creating a white contrast in the images. This technique helps to highlight the structures like blood vessels, intestines, etc.

Other newer CT scan technique is helical or spiral CT scans. These provide more rapid and accurate images of internal organs.

What is the Difference between CT Scan & MRI Scan?

MRI Scan vs CT Scan

Differentiating Detail	Computed Tomography (CT) Scan	MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan
Cost	CT Scan cost approximately half the price of MRI.	MRI scan cost is comparatively higher than that of the CT scan.
How much time is required for the scan	Often takes approximately 5 minutes. The actual scan time usually less than 30 seconds.	Depending on the objective of the diagnosis of the MRI and the structures to be examined, the MRI scan can be done for 10-15 minutes or as long as 2 hours.
Diagnostic scope	CT scan is usually used in bone injuries, imaging of the lung and chest, and for cancer detection.	MRI scan is usually preferred in the evaluation of soft tissues, for example, brain tumors (are best diagnosed with MRI scan for brain), ligament and tendon injury, spinal cord injury, etc.
Effects on the patient	CT scan can put the patient at the risk of irradiation in spite of being painless and noninvasive. Sometimes causes claustrophobia (which is an irrational fear of being enclosed or trapped)	No biological hazards have been reported. However, a few patients could be allergic to the contrast dye; especially in patients with kidney or liver disorders. Since an MRI might take a longer time, it could result in anxiety (usually caused by claustrophobia), tiredness or anger (for staying still for a long time.

Both these scans are immensely helpful in the accurate and early diagnosis of many health conditions. A CT scan, done with a regular health checkup might even help in an early diagnosis of hidden conditions like cancer. It helps in an accurate diagnosis of the cancer type, stage, the spread of cancer and eventually a timely treatment and cure of the dreaded disease.

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