5 Cancers a CT Scan Can Easily Detect
Screening mammograms have the power to detect breast cancer. Colonoscopies can detect and prevent colon cancer. But not every cancer has a regular screening test—especially if you have a cancer that’s harder to detect. That’s where a CT scan for cancer comes in.
At American Health Imaging (AHI), we offer diagnostic CT scans that can easily detect bladder cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer and even colon cancer.
Why Get a CT Scan to Detect Cancer?
Despite decades of research, there are still many types of cancer that aren’t easily found with a simple blood test or X-ray. For example, kidney cancer is the sixth most common new cancer found in men and the eighth most common in women, but it often has no symptoms until it has progressed to a higher stage or metastasized.
What Types of Cancers Can a CT Scan Detect?
A CT scan and other advanced imaging like an MRI are standard parts of cancer diagnosis and treatment across the board, especially when physicians need to assess how far a cancer has spread or where a tumor is located. But if you don’t have a diagnosis, how do you know?
At AHI, we provide diagnostic abdominal CT scans that can see possible cancers that blood work might miss, so you can catch the disease in earlier, more treatable stages.
Abdominal CT scans can show evidence of:
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer, especially if it’s located further up in the intestines or bowel
- Kidney cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
Is a Diagnostic CT Scan Right for You?
If you have a family history of certain cancers or if you know you are at a higher risk based on other factors, a diagnostic abdominal CT scan could provide you the information that you need.
However, every CT scan does expose patients to a small amount of radiation, so if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, speak with your physician to see if a CT scan is right for you.
If you’re concerned about your risk of cancer, find out more about our CT scanning services or make an appointment now.