Tomography makes it possible to record images of different sections or planes of the body.
Tomography is a technique that allows images of different planes or sections of the body to be recorded. This technique involves the use of a device called a tomograph , which makes it possible to obtain tomograms (the images in question).
The word tomography is the result of the sum of three components that derive from Greek and Latin:
- The noun tomos , which can be translated as "cut" .
- The verb graphein , which is synonymous with "record" .
- The suffix -ia , which is equivalent to "quality" .
Types of tomography
There are different procedures linked to tomography. In this way, we can differentiate between ultrasound tomography , magnetic resonance tomography and X-ray tomography , among others.
Biology, medicine , geophysics and archeology are some of the sciences that use tomography to develop their knowledge. Doctors, to cite one possibility, can order a CT scan on a patient to analyze certain parts of their body.
In this case, the technique involves the use of x-rays to achieve a series of images. Different sensors are responsible for sending the signals and then the tomogram is formed through tomographic reconstruction , which involves the use of certain algorithms to achieve the final image .
The tomograph is the device used in tomography.
Its use in medicine
CT scans are useful for diagnosing, studying and treating cancer , for example. They also allow a study of blood vessels , diagnose an infection or serve as a guide for a surgeon .
If a person trips and falls and hits their head, the doctor will likely order a CT scan of the skull . Thanks to these images, you will be able to see if any brain damage, bleeding or injury occurred from the impact. With this data, the professional will be able to suggest a treatment.
Other CT scans
However, there are many other types of CT scans that exist, among which are the following:
- That of the abdomen and pelvis . This usually lasts approximately half an hour and the patient will be required to have the contrast beforehand. It is a type of dye that is usually administered through the veins or orally, with which a more accurate diagnosis can be made of the results of the test itself. The decision can be made to undertake it to detect everything from appendicitis to cancer, including hernias or kidney stones.
- That of the thorax . In this case, the contrast, in addition to the two aforementioned ways, can also be introduced into the patient's body through the anal route through an enema. This tomography allows us to find injuries, infections, tumor masses, bleeding or inflammation in certain areas of the chest.
- That of the lumbosacral spine , which is the one that attempts to know the real state of the lower area of the spine and the tissues that surround it.