It is ideal for lung screening and can also be used as a complementary imaging modality for gastroenterological examinations. CT scans can aid in the early detection and screening of cancer (lung screening using low-dose chest CT and colorectal screening using CT colonography). On the other hand, in cases of suspected or confirmed cancer identified by other tests, a CT scan is absolutely necessary for determining the stage of the disease prior to surgery or oncological treatment, as well as for the follow-up and monitoring of patients following successful oncological treatment, with particular emphasis on the early detection of recurrences.
Multi-slice, multi-detector spiral CT scanning is the most advanced X-ray diagnostic imaging method. During the examination, optimized low-dose X-rays passing in a circular path around the body produce a precise image of the internal organs; the X-rays are detected by an X-ray detector, and the resulting signals are converted by a computer into cross-sectional digital images following three-dimensional reconstruction. The procedure is based on the fact that tissues have different densities; therefore, on the one hand, they can be distinguished from one another, and on the other hand, if the shape or composition of a tissue changes due to some pathological process, its ability to transmit X-rays also changes. This is how various inflammatory, neoplastic, or other lesions can be detected using CT.