The images from the CT scan are used to design your treatment plan and create a "map" for the treatment team. This CT scan is used only for the planning process. It is designed to work with the other equipment in the clinic.
What machines are used to administer radiation therapy?
A number of different machines are available to administer radiation: The Animal Medical Center uses a Varian Clinac® linear accelerator (linac) to deliver radiation therapy to tumors.
Do CT scans involve exposure to ionizing radiation?
CT scans involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can present risks. If patients understand the benefits and risks they can make the best decisions about their health care. What are some common medical imaging tests that use ionizing radiation? Most people have had one or more medical imaging tests that use ionizing radiation.
What is a CT scan used for?
Computed tomography, or CT, scans are medical imaging tests that use ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional (slices) pictures inside selected areas of the body from different angles. The images can show internal organs, blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones.
What is a computed tomography scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan 1 A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken... 2 An integrated PET-CT scan. Your doctor might recommend an integrated PET-CT scan. 3 A CT scan is done at the radiology or radiation oncology center... 4 Getting ready for a CT scan. When you schedule your CT scan,...
Why would a radiologist recommend a CT scan?
Your radiologist may use it to check a complicated bone fracture, internal bleeding, infections, tumor size, and other reasons. For some CT scans, you may need to take a contrasting substance by mouth or IV to make the image clearer.
Why are CT scans necessary?
Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help: Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures. Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot. Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy.
What is CT simulation for radiation therapy?
CT simulation provides optimum set-up accuracy for patients who will be receiving radiation therapy. This process allows the radiation oncologist to design a treatment plan unique to each patient's anatomy.
What kind of cancer does a CT scan detect?
Screening: CT is sometimes used to screen for different types of cancer, such as lung and colorectal cancer. Diagnosis: Your doctor may order a CT scan to locate and size suspected tumors. It also may help determine whether a tumor has recurred.
Should I be worried about having a CT scan?
What Are the Risks? CT scans do use radiation that can cause effects in living tissue, however this level of radiation is monitored very closely. Aside from radiation, which we will dive into shortly, the only other risk is a false positive that may lead to unnecessary follow-up tests.
What diseases can be detected by CT scan?
Things that a CT scan can find include:Certain types of cancer and benign (noncancerous) tumors.Fractures (broken bones).Heart disease.Blood clots.Bowel disorders (blockages, Crohn's disease).Brain and spinal cord diseases or injuries.Internal bleeding.
How long does a radiation simulation take?
The SIM visit takes about one hour. Some patients will receive IV contrast. Be sure to follow any preparation instructions provided by your doctor or nurse. During the SIM visit the radiation therapist will discuss treatment times and reserve a space for you depending on how many treatments you'll be receiving.
How do they mark you up for radiotherapy?
Tattoo marks Your radiographer uses the tattoos to line up the radiotherapy machine for each treatment. This makes sure that they treat exactly the same area each time.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
Would cancer show up on a CT scan?
A CT scan is one of the most frequently utilized exams to detect cancer and to show things such as a tumor's shape and size. CT scans are most often done as an outpatient procedure. The scan is painless and usually takes between 5 to 30 minutes.
Do you get CT scan results immediately?
Your scan results won't usually be available immediately. A computer will need to process the information from your scan, which will then be analysed by a radiologist (a specialist in interpreting images of the body).
How often do cancer patients get CT scans?
In practice, many doctors do CT scans of the body and pelvis every few months; others do nuclear medicine tests such as PET scans or bone scans. Many patients also demand them. There is no evidence that these tests and early detection of tumor growth benefit the patients, but many doctors do them anyway.
How Do I Get Ready For The Test?
CT scans are most often done on an outpatient basis, so you don’t have to be in a hospital to get one.Ask your doctor if you will get contrast dye...
What Is It Like Having The Test?
You may be asked to undress, put on a robe, and remove underwire bras, jewelry, piercings, or any other metal objects that may get in the way of th...
What Are The Possible Complications and Side Effects?
Some people react to the contrast dye. Possible reactions include: 1. Rash 2. Nausea 3. Wheezing 4. Shortness of breath 5. Itching or facial swelli...
What Else Should I Know About This Test?
1. Although a CT scan is sometimes described as a “slice” or a “cross-section,” no cutting is involved. 2. The amount of radiation you get during a...
What is the purpose of CT scan?
A CT scan allows the doctor to see areas of the body that are not easily seen by an x-ray. As in many areas of medicine, there are risks associated with CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create images of the body. Risks from exposure to ionizing radiation include:
Why do doctors use CT scans?
CT scans also help doctors to: During a normal x-ray, diseases or injuries may not be easily detectable due to organs that may overlap. A CT scan allows the doctor to see areas of the body that are not easily seen by an x-ray. As in many areas of medicine, there are risks associated with CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create images ...
What are the risks of ionizing radiation?
Risks from exposure to ionizing radiation include: A small increase in the likelihood that a person exposed to radiation will develop cancer later in life. Health effects that could occur after a large acute exposure to ionizing radiation such as skin reddening and hair loss.
What is ultrasound imaging?
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to see inside the body. There is no ionizing radiation used and in most ultrasound examinations, no contrast is given. Page last reviewed: November 8, 2016. Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How long does an MRI last?
MRI procedures, which can lasts from 30-60 minutes, use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of specific parts of the body. MRI scans are often performed along with other medical imaging procedures to provide a more detailed view of the area of the body that is being examined.
What is a computer x-ray?
A special type of x-ray equipment is used to take pictures of your body at different angles. A computer collects and organizes the x-ray information to show organs, bones and other tissues in great detail. What are the benefits and risks of CT scans? Medical imaging tests such as CT scans are painless procedures that allow doctors ...
What is a CT scan?
CT, or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, are medical imaging tests that are used to take pictures of parts of the body at different angles to create detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels, and bones .
What is CAT scan?
Doctors use a computed tomography (CT) scan, also called a CAT scan, to find cancer. They may also use it to learn more about the cancer after they find it. The scan lets them:
What is CT scan used for?
Sometimes a CT scan is used to plan for radiation therapy. In this case, your body position will be very important for the scan. The technologist may use a special device like a mask or a body cast to keep your body still during the scan. The CT scan machine looks like a large donut.
How long does a CT scan take?
The scan itself takes only 10 to 15 minutes or less. Newer scanners, including spiral or helical CT scanners, are even faster. If a larger part of your body is scanned, the test may last longer. The technologist should be able to give you a time estimate before you begin.
How to talk to a technologist during a scan?
They will be able to see you through a window or a video camera. And, you will be able to talk with them through an intercom system. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath during part of the scan.
Is a CT scan painful?
CT scans are not painful. But you will need to lie still for the entire scan, which may become unpleasant. Since the scanner is shaped like a donut, you will not be enclosed in the scanner at any time. You will hear whirring or clicking sounds from the machine. Some machines are louder than others.
Can a PET scan be combined with a CT scan?
Your doctor might suggest an integrated PET-CT scan. This combines pictures from a CT scan and another scan called Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The machine does both scans at once. When this test is recommended, your doctor can learn more from the 2 scans together than from either test alone.
Can a CT scan cause cancer?
During a CT scan, you will be exposed to a small amount of radiation. This low dose of radiation has not been shown to cause harm. For children or for people who need multiple CT scans and x-rays, there may be a small potential increased risk of cancer in the future. In many cases, doctors will use low-dose CT scans for children or limit ...
How does a CT scan work?
A CT scan uses a pencil-thin beam to create a series of pictures taken from different angles. The information from each angle is fed into a computer, which then creates a black and white picture that shows a slice of a certain area of the body – much like looking at a single slice from a loaf of bread.
Why do doctors use CT scans?
Doctors often use CT scans to help them guide a needle to remove a small piece of tissue. This is called a CT-guided biopsy. CT scans can also be used to guide needles into tumors for some types of cancer treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat to destroy a tumor.
What does a CT scan show?
What does it show? CT scans show a slice, or cross-section, of the body. The image shows your bones, organs, and soft tissues more clearly than standard x-rays. CT scans can show a tumor’s shape, size, and location. They can even show the blood vessels that feed the tumor – all without having to cut into the patient.
What is the name of the procedure that doctors use to look at the inside of the body?
Doctors are now taking CT technology one step further in a technique called virtual endoscopy. They can look at the inside surfaces of organs such as the lungs (virtual bronchoscopy) or colon (virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography) without actually having to put scopes into the body.
What is a scanner?
The scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You lie on a thin, flat table that slides back and forth inside the hole in the middle of the scanner. As the table moves into the opening, an x-ray tube rotates within the scanner, sending out many tiny x-ray beams at precise angles.
Can you get a CT scan with a pacemaker?
Let the technologist know if you have a pacemaker, infusion port, or other implanted medical device. This will not keep you from getting a CT scan, but extra care can be taken if that area will be scanned. The scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine.
Can you drink contrast liquid before a CT scan?
This can be uncomfortable. Depending on the part of the body being studied, you may need to drink contrast liquid or get a contrast enema right before the test.
What is CT scan radiation?
Types of Radiation. A CT scan uses what’s called “ionizing” radiation. It’s powerful enough to pass through your body to create clear images on a computer. This type of radiation could raise your chances of cancer at some point in the future.
How much radiation does a scan with contrast have?
Here are radiation doses for common procedures if you get a scan with contrast, and then one without contrast: Belly and pelvis: 20 mSv, equal to about 7 years of background radiation. Head: 4 mSv, equal to about 16 months of background radiation.
What unit do doctors use to measure the dose of X-rays?
The unit doctors use to measure the dose is the millisievert (mSv). To give an idea of the risk from different types of X-ray tests, doctors compare the mSv of a procedure to how much time it would take to absorb the same amount of background radiation from the environment.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography -- also known as computed axial tomography, a CT scan, or a CAT scan -- is a tool doctors use to diagnose many types of health problems. Special X-ray equipment creates images of the structures inside your body. These pictures allow doctors to get a look at your internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels.
How much radiation does a CT scan show?
Common types of CT scans and the amount of radiation you would absorb from them include: Belly and pelvis: 10 mSv, equal to about 3 years of background radiation. Colonography: 6 mSv, equal to about 2 years of background radiation. Head: 2 mSv, equal to about 8 months of background radiation. Spine: 6 mSv, equal to about 2 years ...
How is effective dose measured?
How It’s Measured. Experts use the phrase “effective dose” to describe how much radiation your body absorbs. Different types of tissue are more sensitive than others. The amount you absorb during a CT scan of your belly, for example, is different than the amount during a scan of your head. The unit doctors use to measure the dose is ...
Why is a CT scan important?
These pictures allow doctors to get a look at your internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels. A CT scan exposes your body to some radiation. That involves a small amount of risk, and it’s important to understand the issues.
What is the term for radiation therapy?
This course of treatment is often referred to as “definitive” or “hyperfractionated” therapy .
What is the name of the accelerator used to deliver radiation to tumors?
There are several types of prescriptions for the dose of radiation delivered to a tumor. The Animal Medical Center uses a Varian Clinac® linear accelerator (linac) to deliver radiation therapy to tumors.
Is gamma knife a form of surgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery, like the Gamma Knife, is not a form of surgery. It is typically administered in a single dose and is reserved for treatment of brain tumors. Stereotactic radiosurgery was the first type of stereotactic radiation therapy. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, as the name implies, is administered outside the brain.
Does gamma knife work?
The Gamma Knife® treats brain tumors. And although the word knife suggests this machine does surgery, it does not . It precisely delivers a high dose of radiation to a very focal area in the brain while avoiding normal brain tissue. Radiation can be prescribed in a number of different fashions.
Is Clinac the best radiation therapy?
The AMC’s Clinac is able to deliver both SRS and SBRT. The “Best” Type of Radiation Therapy. No one radiation therapy machine or prescription is “best.”.
What is a CT scan?
CT scans are sometimes called CAT scans. A CT scan is typically used for: bone fractures. tumors. cancer monitoring. finding internal bleeding. During a CT scan, you’ll be asked to lie down on a table. The table then moves through the CT scan to take cross-sectional pictures inside your body.
What are the risks of a CT scan?
CT scan risks include: harm to unborn babies. a very small dose of radiation. a potential reaction to the use of dyes. MRI risks include: possible reactions to metals due to magnets. loud noises from the machine causing hearing issues. increase in body temperature during long MRIs. claustrophobia.
What is the difference between MRI and CT scan?
The difference between an MRI and CT scan. CT scans and MRIs are both used to capture images within your body. The biggest difference is that MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) use radio waves and CT (computed tomography) scans use X-rays. While both are relatively low risk, there are differences that may make each one a better option depending on ...
What is the noise of an MRI?
An MRI is a loud machine. Typically, you’ll be offered earplugs or headphones to make the noise more bearable. You’ll also be asked to lie still while the MRI is taking place.
What are radio frequency tests used for?
They’re frequently used to diagnose issues with your: joints. brain. wrists. ankles. breasts. heart. blood vessels. A constant magnetic field and radio frequencies bounce off of the fat and water molecules in your body.
Is a CT scan faster than an MRI?
Both MRIs and CT scans can view internal body structures. However, a CT scan is faster and can provide pictures of tissues, organs, and skeletal structure. An MRI is highly adept at capturing images that help doctors determine if there are abnormal tissues within the body. MRIs are more detailed in their images.
Is a CT scan more expensive than an MRI?
CT scans are more widely used than MRIs and are typically less expensive. MRIs, however, are thought to be superior in regards to the detail of the image. The most notable difference is that CT scans use X-rays while MRIs do not. Other differences between MRI and CT scans include their risks and benefits:
Ct Simulation
Treatment Planning Process
Quality Assurance
Set-Up
Daily Treatments
On-Treatment Visit
End-Of-Treatment Visit
Follow-Up Care
- Follow-up appointments are often scheduled at 4 and 12 weeks after your radiation treatments are done. You may be asked to have a scan (CT, PET, or MRI) before this visit. Your provider will see how you are doing and give you information on continued follow-up care. It is important to go to your follow-up care appointments so that any radiation-rel...