Thoracic Spine CT scans

What are Thoracic Spine CT scans?

The process of taking a thoracic spine CT begins by taking many different X-ray views at various different angles, which are then combined with the use of computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissue inside of your body, including tissues inside of solid organ.

Ordinary X-ray testing does not show clear images of soft tissue, so doctors often request CT scanning to get a good image of soft tissue including organs, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and the brain. Sometimes a contrast dye is used as it shows up clearer on the screen.

During a quality CT scan of the thoracic spine detailed pictures are created of the middle back.

Reasons for a Thoracic Spine CT scan:

CT scans are used for a multitude of reasons. They may be done to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps. They also identify the location of tumors, the stage of cancer, and where to perform a biopsy.

A thoracic spine CT scan can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether the patient’s body is responding to treatment.

CT scans can be used to detect cysts or infections in the body. They can also identify the bone structures within the body and can accurately measure the density of bone.

A CT scan is often used to quickly inspect a patient after an accident in order to identify traumatic internal injuries.

A Thoracic Spine CT scan may help diagnose (find):

A CT scan of the thoracic spine helps find tumors of the spine, bone fractures or arthritis in the spine.

A thoracic spine CT scan can also show birth defects of the spine in children.

A CT scan of the thoracic spine can show spinal injury and may be used during or after an X-ray of the spinal cord.

The scan can result in diagnosis of a herniated disk, infection of the spine, narrowing of the spine, or scoliosis.