Lung CT scan

What is a Chest – Lung CT scan 

Multislice scanner – MSCT as a modern diagnostic method is used for various types of precise imaging of internal organs, including chest imaging, which brings us clear images of the lungs and possible changes that can be best seen in this way. Precisely due to the fact that CT scanning enables a three-dimensional image, the doctor gets a complete insight into the condition of the lungs, better and more accurately than it is possible to get when this organ is x-rayed.

Chest CT is a fast, painless, non-invasive and precise method that, among other things, reveals the cause of persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain. With the help of images taken with an MSCT scanner, early detection of lung cancer is possible, so the scanner is the gold standard in the diagnosis of this type of cancer.

It is especially recommended for smokers who enjoy cigarettes for a long time (about twenty years), as part of preventive screening, every 5 years for all people over 40. As part of our specially designed examination for smokers, CT lung scanner is a mandatory part of diagnosis and a useful source of information about the condition of the patient’s lungs. The accuracy of the images allows the doctor to see different parts of the lungs, where nodules of benign or malignant character can be seen. Since the recording lasts only a few minutes, the patient gets results very quickly.

What can be diagnosed by CT scan of the chest

With the help of multislice computed tomography, which is a very fast and reliable method of radiological diagnosis, we get information about pathological changes and the presence of certain diseases in the chest:

• on bones and ribs,
• sternum,
• spinal column,
• on pleura,
• on muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue
• on the trachea and bronchi
• in the lung tissue
• in addition, changes can be observed on the structures of the middle part of the chest (esophagus, heart, large blood vessels, pulmonary arteries and veins, etc.)

CT scanners also detect various lung diseases, such as viral pneumonia (such as, among others, COVID 19), tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, chronic lung obstruction, pulmonary edema and emphysema, and bronchiectasis.

When is a scan of the lungs recommended?

The recommendation for such examination is usually given by a radiologist, who notices certain pathological changes on the X-ray. In addition to a radiologist, an internist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist or oncologist may refer you for a CT scan. In case it is necessary to record the lungs, when viral inflammation, tumor or something else is suspected, the patient will be referred to the recording by a pulmonologist.

Indications for lung scanning with a CT scanner are usually related to the clinical picture of the patient, so the main problems may be dry or productive cough (with or without fever) difficulty breathing, then expulsion of mucous secretions from the lungs, which may be yellowish or green. , but may also contain blood or pus. Also, among the inductions, there may be symptoms that are manifested through rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, creaking and chest pain.

The most common pathological conditions, which are diagnosed in this way, are lung tumors, pleura tumors, pneumonia, but also allergic manifestations, asthma, bronchitis, as well as metastases of malignant diseases whose primary tumors are located on other organs (stomach, liver, kidneys, large and small intestine, thyroid gland, ovaries, uterus, prostate, testicles, etc.). Due to this, a chest scanner must be performed as part of monitoring and control of the results of surgical procedures, as well as in patients who have received chemo or radiation therapy.

How is an MSCT scan performed at the Pulse Cardiology Center?

A chest CT scan is performed with a state-of-the-art 128-slice scanner, while the patient is in a supine position with his arms raised above his head and lying on a part of the scanner that looks like a movable bed. The part of the scanner, which makes three-dimensional images of internal organs in high resolution, is movable and has the shape of a tube that is open at both ends.

The recording itself lasts only a minute, during which the patient is able to communicate with the radiologist, listen to his instructions and, if necessary, hold the air for a few seconds in order to better notice all the important details on the recordings. For the quality of the image, it is extremely important that the patient is completely calm and does not move.

Some CT scans also require the injection of contrast, which is an iodine-based preparation, and its purpose is to stain certain organs, so that they can be seen even more clearly on the image. The patient talks about the need to take a contrast agent with a radiologist, who will explain in detail what the procedure for applying contrast looks like, as well as what sensations the patient can feel after its injection (such as a rush of heat).

You need to know this – potential risks during CT scanning 

There are not many of them and especially when the recording lasts only a few minutes, the risks are reduced to almost zero, but that does not mean that we should not remind ourselves of the most important ones and and to avoid unforeseen situations:

• X-ray exposure is up to 80% lower than on previous generations of scanners, so we can say with certainty that this is a low risk.
• When performing contrast imaging, care should be taken to ensure is the patient allergic to iodine as the main component, and to decide accordingly on the use of the product, as this ingredient may cause allergic reactions.
• For patients with diabetes, the rule is that if they are taking these three drugs they should stop taking them 48 hours before and after the CT scan.
• People with kidney disease should also be careful and talk to their doctor about their condition, because contrast can lead to kidney failure, or the inability to excrete contrast quickly.
• Pregnant women or patients who suspect a potential pregnancy should not be exposed to X-rays, so they must tell their doctor if they are already or suspect they may be pregnant.

Why a CT scan of the lungs is important?

It is estimated that over 80 percent of lung cancers could be cured if detected early. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed at this stage, which makes the five-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer 20 percent. It is necessary to detect lung cancer at an early stage while it is still localized in the lungs. The chance of survival is reduced when the tumor grows to 3 centimeters or more. If the cancer spreads to areas of the body outside the lungs, the survival rate is only 5 percent, compared to 70 percent if the cancer is detected at an early stage.

A CT scan of the lungs is able to detect lung nodules only 2 or 3 millimeters in size. By diagnosing malignant tumors when they are still small, they can be surgically removed before the disease spreads to other parts of the body.

Schedule a CT scan of the lungs in Block A in New Belgrade 

At the Pulse Cardiology Center in New Belgrade, you can perform numerous examinations and take care of your health in an easy and simple way. If you feel certain discomfort, let us listen to your heart, examine your lungs and determine if there is cause for concern. Our experts with many years of experience, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment, will quickly and easily diagnose the problem and start applying adequate therapy.

Schedule your examination today and make sure of the high quality of services, knowledge, enthusiasm and experience that our doctors have. In addition to various types of CT scanning, you can also perform all types of cardiac examinations, total heart examination, as well as examinations for smokers.

Price CT lung scanner

The price for a CT scan of the lungs is 11,000 dinars. The price for a CT scan of the lungs with contrast is 14,200 dinars.