What a CT scan does:

• It takes many X-ray pictures from different angles around your body.

• A computer then combines these pictures into cross-sectional images (like slices) of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

Why it is used:

Doctors use CT scans to:

• Check for injuries (like broken bones or internal bleeding)

• Look for tumors, infections, or diseases in organs

• Help guide surgery, biopsies, or radiation therapy

• Diagnose conditions such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease

What to expect:

• You lie still on a table that slides into a large, donut-shaped machine.

• It is painless, quick (usually 10–30 minutes), and non-invasive.

• Sometimes, a contrast dye may be used to make the images clearer. This may be given by mouth, injection, or enema, depending on the type of scan.

Is it safe?

• CT scans involve more radiation than regular X-rays, but the amount is still generally low and considered safe for most people.

• Doctors only recommend a CT scan when the benefits outweigh the risks.