“What is the difference between an X-ray and a CT scan?”

Chest CT scan allows for a more detailed view compared to a chest X-ray. For example, a chest X-ray may identify an abnormality, but a chest CT scan should be able to show the exact location and examine the nature of a formation.
Chest X-ray provides a 2D image, while a chest CT scan is able to produce a 3D view of your organs.
An X-ray is built to examine dense tissues, while a CT scan is better able to capture bones, soft tissues and blood vessels all at the same time.
X-ray equipment is much smaller and less complex than a CT scan since a CT scanner needs to rotate around the patient being scanned.
Chest X-ray is a good low-cost, first-look exam. In order to move forward with your diagnosis and treatment, you might have to do a chest CT scan to have a better picture.

A CT (computerized tomography) uses X-rays to essentially display the body in slices. The patient lies on a table while the X-ray tube and X-ray detectors inside the machine rotate around the patient. The table moves the patient at the same time, so it essentially X-rays in a spiral around the patient. The computer then puts the data together and displays the body part or parts imaged in several different planes. It is much more sensitive for the detection of diseases or abnormalities than a plain X-ray. The trade off is it takes a bit longer and uses more radiation, but it is still very safe.

Depending on the particular scan ordered by the requesting doctor, the patient may get X-ray contrast injected in a vein in the arm or hand via an IV line. This highlights blood vessels and can aid in diagnosis. Some scans of the abdomen also require the patient to drink some contrast to highlight the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. It is an easy exam for the patient as they basically just need to lay still for several minutes.

One is more expensive and high tech and shows a lot more.

The CT scan can demonstrate the anatomy of the chest in much greater detail than a normal chest X-ray. There are many areas in the chest which can not be seen and evaluated on a chest X-ray, but they are easily examined on the CT.

A CT scan and chest X-ray are similar, but not identical. The overall dosage with a CT scan is higher than a chest X-ray. In the pediatric age groups, there are now algorithms to diminish the amount of radiation delivered to a young patient. This is still higher than the chest X-ray. The CT scan can give more accurate information regarding many things in the chest. The efficacy must be weighed by your pediatrician.

The CT will allow better visualization of soft tissues to help diagnosis the cause of your mothers lung condition so doctors will have a better idea how to treat her. She will have to lay on a table and then go inside a small cylinder which does not last longer then a few seconds.

Hope that helps,

Dr Cox