CT or CAT scans take cross-section views of the brain, or other anatomy, to show soft tissue and anomalies that may suggest lesions, tumors or other problems. After a CT scan is completed, the images are transferred to X-ray film with select cross-sections shown to give doctors and patients a clearer picture of any potential problem.
Instructions
1. Place film on a light board or up to another bright light source to see the images with the light showing the contrast from behind.
2. Familiarize your self with the basic anatomical structures you are looking at, and create reference points for easier review. In a CT scan of the brain, you will see gray-toned pictures of the skull, brain and synovial cavity sections within the head. You should clearly see the right and left hemisphere of the brain with a black layer (synovial fluid) cushioning the brain inside the skull.
3. The body and all its components are generally symmetrical, so look for areas where symmetry is altered.
4. Look for large masses. Dark (black) areas will generally refer to fluid buildup caused by lesions, resulting from problems such as strokes or Alzheimer's disease.
5. Bright (white) masses suggest foreign tissue or other implant. This generally suggests a tumor, though there is no way of determining if it is benign or not by a CT scan. Other items that a CT scan can show are screws from surgical procedures or other foreign objects.
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