Himadri Sikhor Das

In modern times, X-rays are done using ALARA protocol regarding radiation exposure (as low as reasonably achievable). From a diagnostic viewpoint, that's quite safe.

No. The stones can be masked by bowel gas and the patient may need a USG /CT. Sometimes small stones may pass from the kidneys to the ureters. In that case, CT is the modality of choice.

Not 100 percent, which is usually by histopathology, but in many cases by USG and cross-sectional imaging methods like CT/MRI lesions, whether cancerous or not, can be made out.

Firstly, by USG as it's quick, easily available, can be done in the bedside, and reasonably inexpensive.

The radiologist needs to inform the nature and results of the test performed in most instances.

Yes various congenital anomalies can be detected by anomaly scan at different times of the gestational period. Most are detected at 1st trimester USG

If it’s an abdominal scan bowel preparation is required. Scans done mostly in fasting state. You need to tell the Radiologist/Technician if you are allergic to any drug/foodstuff etc as the IV contrast given during the course of a CT examination can cause anaphylactic reaction

Most Tumors involving solid abdominal organs can be detected. Sometimes small Tumors can be obscured by bowel gas. In such cases & in detection of bowel Tumors CT scan is the modality of choice

Radiation induced health risks can be immediate or delayed. Immediate overexposure can cause acute radiation sickness. Chronic effects include genetic mutations & cancer. But it is important to remember that nowadays diagnostic X-rays are done by using all techniques required to minimize radiation exposure & X-rays in the diagnostic spectrum are mostly safe, but in cases where repeated X-rays are needed, the risk to benefit ratio should be considered & other diagnostic modalities other than X-ray should be considered.

5% patients undergoing MRI experience claustrophobia during the scanning process. If the patient has an implant/ prosthesis then it might be damaged by the high magnetic field in the scan room. Usually no physical effect occurs after a routine MRI exam

It can, provided an iodinated dye is injected into the bloodstream. This dye gets concentrated & excreted via the kidneys after 2-30mins post injection which can be demonstrated by taking serial X-rays within that period of time.

Some patients do experience anxiety/nervousness which usually subsides after proper reassurance.

Both X-rays & CT scans utilize ionizing radiation within permissible limits to penetrate tissues and bone to produce an image. An X-ray is a 2D image of the anatomical site which is produced after the rays which are emitted by an X-ray tube travel across the anatomical part/body & hit a specially coated film which detects the attenuation differences of various tissues in shades of gray & white. In case of CT, there is greater detail as the rays are picked up by multiple detectors as the patient moves through the circular tube-like structure called the gantry, which generates the X-rays. The images of present-day CT scanners can also be reconstructed in sagittal & coronal planes using a computer after scanning is complete; that's why the term "axial " or cross sectional has been omitted from the term C*A*T scan. CT is also expensive & not readily available, that's why initially X-ray is used to detect an abnormality.















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Dr. Himadri S. Das
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Yes, cancer can show up in a CT scan if it presents as a lump or swelling. The differentiation between benign/malignant tumor or other causes of such swelling like abscess/infective or inflammatory causes can not be addressed by CT. A biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology is needed to arrive at a final conclusive tissue diagnosis.















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May happen if there is excess of gaseous distension within the bowels

Type of presentation, neurological signs symptoms, blood & CSF investigations & MRI, which may show the demyelinating plaques in the brain.

A 2 cm sized renal calculus cannot pass out on its own. Kindly get the CT reports reviewed with the radiologist at the CT scan centre again.

Dr Himadri