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 CAT scan

CAT scan

A CAT scan or computerised axial tomography is a diagnostics imaging procedure that creates detailed images of internal parts of the body such as organs, bones, blood vessels, muscles and fat by using X-rays and advanced computer technology. It is widely used during the diagnostics stage and treatment of many medical conditions. CAT scans, also named CT scans or computerised scans, are a non-invasive procedure which can provide highly detailed images to find and determine a variety of medical conditions including cancer, injuries, infections and more. It can also help healthcare professionals to guide surgical procedures such as biopsies.

The scan consists in sending ionising X-ray beams through the body from different angles while detectors on the scanner pick up the X-rays passing through the patient for that data to be collected in a computer. This highly technical procedure creates a variety of cross-sectional images of the body part being scanned giving high quality accurate results. It is considered a safe procedure as it uses somewhat low levels of radiation providing good results and positive benefits during the diagnostics stage of any disease. Cat scans play a crucial role in cancer treatment and are used to diagnose, assess and monitor the patient throughout the whole process. During the diagnostics phase, a CAT scan can be used to identify where the cancer is located and the size of tumours which in time determine an adequate course for treatment. Overall, it is a crucial tool oncologists and healthcare professionals use for diagnostics.

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