A computed tomography (CT) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. These images, often called "slices," can be viewed individually or stacked together to form a 3D representation of the body's internal structures, including organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT scans provide more detailed information than plain X-rays. They are used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatments, and monitor the effectiveness of therapies.
The first clinical CT scan was performed in 1971, and the technology was co-invented by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield and physicist Dr. Allan Cormack. They were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1979 for their work. CT scans are particularly valuable in emergency situations because they can rapidly image large areas of the body. While CT scans are generally safe, they do involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which carries a small risk of long-term harm, including an increased lifetime risk of cancer with repeated exposure. However, healthcare professionals use the lowest possible dose of radiation to obtain the necessary medical information.
