What is a Full Body Scan?
A full body scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the body. Its purpose is to identify any abnormality in any part of the body and detect the presence of a disease even before the symptoms start to appear. In addition to this, it is one of the best choices for diagnosis and planning therapies.
There are different types of full body scans. However, one of the most common types uses CT (computed tomography) technology and MRI technology. CT scans are much faster than X-rays, and they use raditions. On the other hand, MRI captures detailed images of the body, but it does nor use radioactive radiation.
DEXA, or Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is another type of full body scan. This scan uses low-level X-rays to check bone density or body fat. If we talk about the cost of a full body scan, it will cost you a lot, even if you have health insurance.
What are the Risks and Benefits of Full Body Scan?
For an average person with no health issues or any other symptoms, a full body scan does not offer any benefits. Apart from that, it helps in detecting the presence of any abnormality or tumors that might be life-threatening. In addition to this, the process of a full body scan is completely non-invasive and painless. A patient does not have to take any special medicine for the scan. You might asked to avoid eating and drinking a few hours before the scan. Furthermore, a person can return to the routine after the scan. There is no specific need to take special rest after the rest if you do not feel like it.
On the other hand, a full body scan only sometimes ends up with something meaningful. This scan is incidental and sometimes only identifies nodules on the thyroid or adrenal glands. This may cost additional expenses, scans, and sometimes even surgeries. In addition to this, occasionally, a full body scan may cause extra stress and anxiety. For example, you might have been told to go for a full body scan in case of cysts on the pancreas, but there are no definite symptoms. This causes extra stress.
What are Some other Types of Scans?
Apart from full body scan, there are some other types of scan that include the following:
- A heart scan uses CT technology to capture detailed images of the heart. This helps detect any abnormality in the heart. In addition to this, there is a coronary calcium scan, which detects the presence of calcium within the arteries. This helps prevent the blocking of arteries and heart attacks.
- MRI scan for spinal tumor symptoms. The spinal tumors do not come to the surface until they are at advanced stages. However, it is better to take precautions and perform an MRI scan in the case of a few symptoms, which is the best prevention. The spinal tumors do not only impact the spinal cord, but they may impact the functioning of all parts of the body.
- The lung scan is another important scan. A lung scan uses CT technology to capture detailed and cross-sectional images of the lungs. These images allow the doctors to detect any abnormality that may cause respiratory issues or lung cancer.
It does not matter what the scan is. However, each scan has its purpose and plays an integral role in monitoring the health of organs of the body.
Conclusion
Although there are not many benefits of a full body scan, it is one of the most important scans. A full body scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the body. These images allow healthcare providers to take a look into the body and identify if there is any abnormality. Via Scan of Las Colinas offers services of full body scans, heart scans, and other scans. They have state-of-the-art technology to capture detailed images that help doctors to select the right treatment for patients.