How Are CT Scans Different from X-Rays?
While both CT Scans and X-Rays use ionizing radiation to create images of the body, the key difference lies in the level of detail and the way images are captured. X-rays produce a single flat image, often used to evaluate bones, detect fractures, or assess lung issues like pneumonia or infections. CT scans, on the other hand, take multiple cross-sectional images from different angles and compile them into a detailed 3D representation of internal structures, offering a much more comprehensive view.
CT Scans provide far more Detail, making them especially suitable for evaluating complex conditions involving soft tissues, blood vessels, and organs. They can detect subtle abnormalities, pinpoint the location of disease, and assess its severity in ways X-rays cannot. X-rays are typically used for initial assessments or in cases where high detail is not required, such as routine screenings for bone fractures. In contrast, CT scans are chosen when a more comprehensive and accurate image is needed for diagnosis, surgical planning, or monitoring conditions like cancer, heart disease, or vascular issues.
