Cat Scan

CAT is the abbreviation for computerized axial tomography. This is an advanced x-ray and computer system that makes detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body.

A CAT scan shows more details than a regular x-ray, and, unlike an x-ray, it can make pictures of areas protected or surrounded by bone. It can show ducts, blood vessels, tumours, or any of the body's organs. A CT scan is 100 times clearer than an ordinary x-ray. As a result, a CAT scan can detect some problems at an earlier stage than x-rays.

Some CAT scanners are part of a larger healthcare complex or may be at a separate facility. Just before the CAT scan, a patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove anything that interferes with x-rays, such as glasses, jewellery, dentures, and hearing aids. A patient will then be asked to lie down on a narrow table and the technician will help a patient slide inside a large, donut-shaped ring.

Frequently, the radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading x-rays and scans) uses a contrast material (a liquid dye that's given to you to make it easier to see the organ being examined). Sometimes, the contrast material is injected into an IV (intravenous line) and sometimes it is swallowed, depending on the type of exam. If contrast material is used, the doctor will explain the procedure to a patient.

As the scan begins, humming or buzzing or clicking sounds may be heard from the CAT scanner. The table a patient is lying on will move every few seconds, automatically positioning him for a new scan. It is important to remain very still. A patient may be given a sedative medication to help him relax if this is difficult for a patient.

During the scan a patient will be alone in the scanning room. Doctors and technologists will observe him from a control room and communicate with him over an intercom. The procedure may take from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much of the body needs to be scanned.

After the procedure, the technologist will ask a patient to wait a short time while the images are reviewed to make sure all the needed information has been obtained. Sometimes additional images are needed. After this, a patient is free to go. The results are sent to a patient’s doctor and will be reviewed with a patient.

A patient should always inform the doctor and the technician if she is pregnant or if there is any chance a patient is pregnant. The radiation exposure is minimal and unlikely to cause any side effects for non-pregnant patients.

If contrast material is used, the radiologist will watch for allergic reactions such as nasal stuffiness, itching and hives. If the contrast material is given intravenously (through an IV line), it may cause a patient to urinate more frequently later that day.

Exercise 25. Answer the following questions:

1. What is a CAT Scan?

2. Why would a CAT Scan be done?

3. What does a patient have to do to prepare for a CAT Scan?

4. What is it like to have a CAT Scan?

5. Are there any dangers involved in having a CAT Scan?

Exercise 26. Put all possible special questions to the following sentences.

1. The doctor will explain the procedure to a patient.

2. The technician will help a patient slide inside a large, donut-shaped ring.

3. The procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much of the body needs to be scanned.

4. Computerized axial tomography makes detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body.

5. If contrast material is used, the radiologist will watch for allergic reactions.

6. The results are sent to a patient’s doctor.

7. Doctors and technologists will observe a patient from a control room.

8. Sometimes, the contrast material is swallowed, depending on the type of exam.

9. CAT scan makes pictures of areas protected or surrounded by bone.

10. The patient is lying on the table.

11. During the scan a patient will be alone in the scanning room.

12. The radiologist specializes in reading x-rays and scans.

Exercise 27. Read and translate the text.