If someone has bad headaches, blurred vision, seizures, or feels confused a lot, doctors might want to check if there’s a problem in their brain. One way to do this is with a CT scan. But can a CT scan miss a brain tumour if it’s there? Let’s take a look.
In this blog:
- What is a CT scan?
- How do CT scans work?
- What happens during a CT scan?
- Can a CT scan detect a brain tumour?
- Can a CT scan miss a brain tumour?
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan (which stands for Computed Tomography scan) is a type of special X-ray. People sometimes call them CAT scans.
A CT scan takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body, especially places like your brain, chest, or core.
It’s a common test that helps doctors find out what’s going on inside without needing surgery.
How do CT scans work?
When you get a CT scan, you lie down on a table. The table moves slowly through a big, round machine that looks a bit like a doughnut.
This machine takes lots of X-ray pictures from different angles. Then, a computer puts all those pictures together to make a clear image of what’s inside your body.
It’s a bit like looking at a loaf of bread by seeing each slice one by one, instead of just the outside.
What happens during a CT scan?
Getting a CT scan doesn’t hurt. You lie still on a table, and the machine moves around you. You might hear clicking or buzzing sounds, but that’s normal.
The scan itself usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but your appointment could be around 30 minutes.
Can a CT scan detect a brain tumour?
Yes, a CT scan can show a brain tumour. These scans are often used if a doctor thinks someone might have a brain tumour.
But, some small tumours might not show up clearly on a CT scan. In those cases, doctors might do another type of scan called an MRI to see if that shows the tumour.
Can a CT scan miss a brain tumour?
Even though CT scans are very helpful, they might not catch everything.
Some tumours are too small or in tricky spots in the brain, so they might be hard to see.
That’s why doctors might order an MRI if they think a tumour is there but can’t see it clearly on a CT scan.
It’s not that MRIs or other types of scans are better than CT scans. But, they have different benefits. So, they might be able to help if a CT scan isn’t quite right to find a certain type of brain tumour.
In summary
CT scans are a good way to check for brain tumours, especially when doctors need quick results.
They can show large or serious tumours, but small ones might be harder to find.
If the CT scan doesn’t show anything but the person still has symptoms, doctors may use an MRI to see if that shows anything.
It’s important to remember that medical professionals are there to help and will do their best to diagnose the cause of a person’s symptoms.
If you or someone you know is feeling unwell or showing brain tumour symptoms, it’s always best to talk to a doctor. They’ll know which tests to do to help figure out what’s going on.