CT scan of the lungs

Computed tomography of the lungs is a fast, painless and safe way to assess the condition of the lungs and diagnose lung cancer – one of the most dangerous oncological diseases. Approximately 80% of patients with lung cancer can be successfully treated if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, but unfortunately the vast majority of patients are examined at a late stage of the disease.

A 64-slice tomographic system Somatom Go. Up Siemens (Germany) used for conducting a computed tomography at the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev makes it possible to detect even minimal deviations in the anatomy of the patient's lungs.

Patients from the last two categories, which belong to the group of increased risk of developing lung cancer, should be examined on a regular basis - every 1-2 years. Such monitoring allows you to detect the disease at the earliest stages, when the probability of a successful cure is very high.

Computed tomography of the lungs, performed without contrast, does not require any special preliminary preparation. All that is necessary is to take off all metal objects: watches, hairpins, earrings, glasses, chains, hearing aid, etc.

If a CT scan with a contrast agent is prescribed, it is important to notify the doctor if a patient is allergic to iodine and shellfish (such patients may develop an allergic reaction in response to the medicine), about kidney or heart problems (renal or heart failure may be a contraindication to the introduction of a contrast agent) or diabetes mellitus.

Such patients need a blood test (to assess kidney function), blood pressure measurement and an electrocardiogram or blood sugar measurement before performing a CT scan.

It is forbidden to drink or eat 4-6 hours before the examination with a contrast agent.

A patient lies down on the slide-out table of the tomographic scanner, usually face up with his hands raised.  After that the table is pushed into the tunnel of the scanner and the study begins. During the CT scan procedure the doctor stays in an adjacent room, observing the patient through a special window and, if necessary, communicating a person examined by means of an intercom device built in the tomographic scanner.

If the study is performed with a contrast agent, a catheter is inserted into the patient's vein. Contrast agent is administered by an automatic injector, which eliminates the introduction of insufficient or excessive amount of contrast agent into the patient's body.

During a CT scan of the lungs the patient does not experience any unpleasant or pain feelings, all that is required is to be motionless. Any movement can cause the images to blur. During the study the doctor may ask the patient to hold his/her breathe for a few seconds.

After the study the patient receives a specialist's report and a film with the results of CT. There is no rehabilitation period after CT scan of the lungs – you can immediately return to your daily activities.

You can make an appointment for a CT scan by calling us or writing to the chat operator on our website

CT of the lungs with contrast is often prescribed for accurate diagnosis. The drug, which contains iodine molecules, is administered intravenously into the body, after which it spreads throughout it with the blood. Iodine molecules actively absorb X-rays, due to which the image becomes clearer. As for the lungs, the use of contrast is especially relevant, since this organ has a less dense tissue structure compared to others (for example, bones), which are well visualized.

CT of the lungs with contrast allows:

• to better assess the structure of the mediastinum, the condition of the pulmonary vessels, their blood supply;
• to visualize pathological changes in the lungs and bronchi, to accurately determine their localization and the extent of the lesion.

CT of the lungs with contrast is prescribed for a more detailed assessment of the structure of the vessels, mediastinum and lung tissues. This study allows for better visualization of pathological changes, clarification of the size, localization and nature of the lesions. CT with contrast is necessary in cases of:

• suspected tumor processes in the lungs or mediastinum;
• diagnosis of metastatic lesions;
• detection of pulmonary embolism;
• assessment of the degree of vascular damage in vasculitis or other systemic diseases;
• clarification of the results of CT without contrast when pathology is detected.

The decision on the need for CT of the lungs with contrast is made by the doctor depending on the clinical situation, previous examination results and individual characteristics of the patient.

Computed tomography of the lungs can be performed on children for medical reasons. Since CT uses X-ray radiation, the decision on its feasibility is made by the doctor, assessing the ratio of potential benefits and risks. Indications for CT in children may be:

• suspected congenital lung anomalies;
• severe or atypical forms of pneumonia;
• suspected tumors or metastases;
• assessment of the consequences of chest injuries.

At the Oxford Medical Medical Center, examinations of children are performed using modern Siemens Somatom equipment, which allows minimizing radiation exposure due to low-dose scanning modes. This ensures high safety of the procedure even for the smallest patients.

During computed tomography, a layer-by-layer scan of the lungs is performed. All images are downloaded to a computer, where they are processed by a special program.

The results are analyzed by a radiologist. He checks whether the shape and size of the lungs, the condition of the tissues and vessels of the organ, and other parameters are normal. If pathological changes are detected, the specialist describes them as accurately as possible in the conclusion.

The patient can receive the CT scan result on a digital medium or film. This allows you to save the images to monitor the dynamics of treatment and, if necessary, show them to other specialists.

At Oxford Medical, CT scans of the lungs are performed on a new Siemens Somatom tomograph, which provides 64-slice scanning. Thus, the examination can diagnose diseases even at an early stage, when changes are insignificant. The device allows you to detect tumors and other structural pathologies from 1 mm in size.

The main difference between CT and MRI is the use of different types of energy. Computed tomography is based on the use of X-rays, while magnetic resonance imaging is based on radiofrequency radiation and an electromagnetic field. They are reflected differently by body tissues, which accordingly distinguishes the scope of application and accuracy of the results.

CT allows you to assess the anatomy of organs, while MRI also assesses their molecular structure. CT provides better visualization of bone tissue and internal organs that have a dense tissue structure, while MRI is more suitable for diagnosing soft tissues, blood vessels and the brain.

When which study will be more informative in lung disease, the doctor determines.

The price of a CT scan of the lungs may vary depending on whether it is performed without or with contrast enhancement. You can find out the price of a CT scan of the lungs here.

At «Oxford Medical» CT scans of the lungs are performed on a new Siemens Somatom tomograph, which provides 64-slice scanning with minimal radiation exposure to the body. It allows you to take clear and detailed images, thanks to which specialists can diagnose neoplasms and other pathological processes from 1 mm in size.