Is a lung scan harmful?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Hong Hai - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital. The doctor has many years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging.
Lung tomography is an advanced and modern subclinical imaging method that helps to detect lung-related diseases quickly and accurately. However, there are still many people who are still afraid to hear about this method and wonder: “Is a CT scan harmful?” The following article will help you answer this question.

1. What is a CT scan of the lungs?

Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs (also known as a CT scan or computed tomography of the lung). This is a method that uses X-rays to scan the lungs in a cross-section combined with computer processing to obtain a 2-D or 3-D image to help doctors make diagnoses about the patient's lung condition. , including dangerous diseases such as lung cancer or tuberculosis .
Compared with X-ray, this method provides more detailed and in-depth images for monitoring, evaluation and definitive diagnosis of lung lesions. In particular, in the case that the patient is prescribed contrast injection, the doctor can also diagnose lung cancer through observing the enhancement nature of the mass.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of CT lung imaging method

2.1. Advantages of lung CT scan method

CT scan is a very effective technique for finding opacities and evaluating in detail lung lesions, especially small lesions that are easily missed on radiographs. Thanks to this method, doctors will avoid missing difficult-to-detect lung lesions.
Specifically, compared with X-ray method, about 30% of lung lesions are missed, CT lung can easily detect these lesions. From that, it can be seen that, CT lung brings a lot of things that are beneficial for diagnosis, for example:
Detect small lesions, covered lesions that are not seen on chest X-ray film. Lung lesions through CT scans will show up in more detail and clarity. From there, the doctor will see the size of the lesion, the extent of the damage to the lung.

2.2. Disadvantages of CT lung imaging method

X-rays are used to scan the lungs, so the patient's exposure to radiation is unavoidable. However, the radiation dose for each scan has been carefully considered to ensure that it does not affect the patient's health.
In addition, because this amount of radiation is cumulative, so doctors recommend that patients in a short period of time should not have 2 consecutive CT lung scans.
Besides, contrast dye allergy is also a common problem in lung CT scan with injection. However, most cases will clear up on their own within a few days, and very rarely have serious complications that can affect health.

3. Is a CT scan of the lung harmful?

As noted above, the nature of lung CT scanning uses X-rays. These rays are known to have strong wavelengths with the ability to penetrate solid objects, including the body. So it's natural for many people to worry about the harmful potential of X-rays. But patients can be completely assured when using the CT lung scan method, the X-ray radiation level is always kept at the allowable level for the body, so it will not cause much harm to health.
However, although the amount of X-rays in tomography has been shown by many studies that it is guaranteed to be at the minimum threshold, safe for health, it is advisable to limit tomography if it is not absolutely necessary, especially Do not take multiple shots in a short time.

4. Who should not have a CT lung scan?

To ensure the health of the lung CT scan must be prescribed by a specialist and if you fall into the following cases, the lung CT scan method will not be recommended:
Pregnant women or people who are pregnant Breast-feeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to have a chest CT scan, except in cases of force majeure. Although X-rays and contrast agents have a very small impact, they are not good for the fetus and young child. Therefore, in this case, if it is necessary to have a CT scan, the doctor will reduce the X-ray intensity or choose another method of diagnosis that is more suitable for the patient. Patients with severe renal impairment: Contrast toxicity may occur if patients with severe renal impairment elect to undergo injectable computed tomography. However, the doctor will have to have a plan to filter the patient's blood in case it is necessary to take a scan. People with a history of chronic disease or hyperthyroidism, sickle cell disease, bronchial asthma, diabetes. People with the diseases mentioned above need to talk to their doctor in advance for appropriate treatment. People who are allergic to contrast: Common symptoms of an allergy to contrast are: itching, burning, difficulty breathing,... The doctor will depend on the medical history of each patient. about the use of adjuvant drugs. In addition, people with severe dehydration or an iodine allergy will be in danger of life if contrast is injected during a CT lung scan. Therefore, before performing CT lung imaging technique, patients need to be examined and screened for diseases to ensure safety during and after the scan.

It is hoped that through the information shared in the article, readers have had the answer to the question of whether lung tomography is harmful, as well as more useful medical knowledge surrounding the CT scan technique. lung layer.
Computed tomography of the lungs is an imaging method that brings high accuracy in diagnosing lung-related diseases, especially dangerous diseases such as pneumonia and lung cancer. Accordingly, to achieve the most accurate results, you should choose addresses with a quality CT scanner system, professionally performed by doctors.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals with the function of examining, treating and screening many diseases, including lung diseases. Especially in order to bring high efficiency in disease examination and treatment, Vinmec now also designs many accompanying medical services, along with an intensive lung cancer screening package made by leading specialists. at home and abroad. In addition, when making a visit at Vinmec, customers can enjoy the following benefits:
● Comprehensive patient care and treatment, multi-specialty coordination towards individualizing each patient.
● Having a full range of professional facilities to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, histopathological diagnosis, genetic - cytological testing, ...
● There are full range of mainstream cancer treatment methods: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant...
Currently at all hospitals under Vinmec Health System are applying lung CT scanning technique. Currently, there are 07 Vinmec hospital facilities concentrated in big cities across the country such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang.... Therefore, customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system on nationwide to visit or contact the regional hospital hotline for support.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.