Your doctor says you need a scan and immediately visions of a large machine fill your head. But from your perspective, lying on the table, there is a big difference! X-ray uses a small amount of radiation that passes through the body to quickly capture a single image of your anatomy to assess injury fractures or dislocations or disease bone degeneration, infections or tumors. Dense objects, such as bone, block the radiation and appear white on the X-ray picture. Radiologists review the pictures and create a report with their findings to aid in diagnosis.
Many people seem relieved that it is as easy to do as it is. You lie flat on the table and a pencil-thin beam takes cross-sectional images of your body. Traci explains that the beam rotates around your body and takes image slices of you like a loaf of bread. CT does use radiation to capture clear images. The question is: Do we have an alternative? For MRI, people who have trouble with claustrophobia or are unable to hold their breath, which may be required for certain abdominal imaging tests, may not be able to tolerate the procedure.
Some MRI machines can be configured in ways that may reduce claustrophobia. Medical implants, such as a pacemaker, brain stimulator, or other devices, are another complicating factor.
The radio waves used with MRI can heat up devices made of metal. This is potentially a concern for something inside the body. Newer medical devices are usually designed with this in mind, so they are safe inside an MRI. But we go back and forth as needed. If someone has several MRIs and is unable to lie still or hold their breath so we can get a good image, we may suggest a CT as an alternative.
Not all CT scans are equal. Cindy, thank you for your comment. Some chest CT for lung cancer do not require contrast. With regards to concerns, can you please comment on the use of gadolinium for breast MRI? Thank you. Jennie, thank you for your question. Gadolinium contrast is used in MRI for the similar purpose other types of contrast material are used in radiology imaging. Contrast in the veins helps the radiologist see where there may be increased blood flow possibly related to tumor growth even before a lump might be detectable.
This is particularly important in breast MRI, as breast cancers found at the earliest stage are more easily treated. Learn why a CT scan is performed and what to expect during a CT scan. A cranial CT scan of the head is a diagnostic tool used to create detailed pictures of the skull, brain, paranasal sinuses, and eye sockets. A positron emission tomography PET scan is an imaging test that uses a special dye with radioactive tracers.
The tracers are either swallowed…. A gallium scan is a diagnostic test that looks for infection, inflammation, and tumors. Gallium is radioactive, but the risk of radiation exposure…. Learn the ins and outs of MRI vs. X-ray imaging tests, including the pros and cons of each test, how they compare to CT scans, how much they cost, and…. Paracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity.
This fluid buildup is called ascites. Learn about preparation, recovery…. Learn more. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions. Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. CT Scan vs. MRI Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.
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