scan

A CT scan machine uses x-rays to produce three-dimensional computer images of the heart, lungs, intestines, and other vital organs inside the body. From these pictures, a doctor can easily find a tumor or other irregularity. In fact, doctors commonly use...

Recent research suggests much promise for the use of CT scans to screen specific body areas—such as the colon, lungs, and heart—for disease. Amin Chaoui, MD, a radiologist at Boston University School of Medicine, says: "Screening for colonic polyps i...

Questions arise among the experts when CTs are used in a scattershot way to scan the whole body for disease rather than specific areas. Paolo Raggi, MD, a cardiologist at Tulane University School of Medicine, believes that CT scanning is valuable in looki...

Other physicians argue that since we have the technology of the CT scan why not use it. Max Rosen, MD, assistant professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School says, "The best uses [of total body CT scan screening] are to give patients intelligent...

Currently, several radiologic centers offer total body CT scans. The cost for a total body CT scan ranges from 300 to 1200 dollars depending on where it's done. The cost is not covered by health insurance.

Also, since total body scanning is new, no...