A computed tomography (CT) scan or CT Scan is the technology that is used to produce cross-sectional slices of the body from different angles with the help of computer-processed X-ray measurements. It helps the medical and healthcare professionals in their diagnosis and therapeutic purposes.
A CT scan has so many uses generally, but precisely it is apt to examine people who may have internal injuries from any sort of accident or any trauma. It can be used for almost all parts of the body in order to diagnose disease or injury. CT scan also helps to plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment.
Doctors usually recommend a CT scan for:
• Diagnosing muscle and bone disorders
• Locating a tumor exactly, infection or blood clot
• For various surgeries, biopsy and radiation therapy
• Detecting and monitoring diseases and many severe conditions such as cancer, heart disease, etc.
• Detecting internal injuries and internal bleeding
As per the stats all around the globe, use of CT scans has increased in large numbers over the last two decades. Although, apart from its side effects there are a few side effects as well which are often seen and we have compiled a few ones here.
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Side Effect #1: Cancer
Cancer refers to abnormal cell growth that may invade surrounding structures or spread to other parts of the body as well. It is called a group of diseases.
So, basically the radiation used in CT scans, can cause damage to the cells, and which further may lead to cancer sometimes. Matter of fact is that CT scans can have 100 to 1,000 times more radiation as compared to conventional X-rays. However, it is taken care of and the doses of radiation are kept low, and scans should always be done when it is necessary.