Do you really need a CT scan?

How helpful is a CT scan?

Because while a CT – computerized tomography -- is a tremendously powerful tool, it’s not the best option for diagnosing every disease, according to Dr. Valarie Borow, senior vice president and medical director at HealthHelp, a Houston-based radiology benefit management company.

CTs take pictures of your internal organs using radiation, which can alter the cells in your body. Over time, too much radiation can lead to cancer. The more tests you have that use radiation, the more your cells will change, and the higher your risk will be.

HealthHelp recommends keeping a log of all your diagnostic imaging exams. This log can help your doctor decide which tests are best for you.

Radiation poses a higher cancer risk for women than men. The younger you are, the higher your risk. Because unborn babies have the highest risk of developing health problems from radiation exposure, women who might be pregnant should not have CT scans except in unusual circumstances, HealthHelp advises. In general, a single chest CT carries about the same cancer risk for an adult as smoking 2,100 cigarettes. For a child, HealthHelp compares the risk to smoking about 6,000 cigarettes.

The bottom line

CT scans help save many lives by diagnosing diseases early. But they shouldn’t always be the first test you get. Sometimes, a simple blood test can do the trick, or an ultrasound test that doesn’t use radiation. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your diagnostic options.

For more information

• RadiologyInfo, radiology information resource
  
  
• Preparing for a CT scan
  
  
• CT vs. MRI comparisons