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Computed Tomography

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using Micro-computed Tomography for the Assessment of Tumor Development and Follow-up of Response to Treatment in a Mouse Model of Lung Cancer

Using Micro-computed Tomography for the Assessment of Tumor Development and Follow-up of Response to Treatment in a Mouse Model of Lung Cancer

Published on: May 20, 2016

Radiation dose issues in longitudinal studies involving computed tomography.

¹Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9 Canada. John.Mayo@vch.ca

Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society

|December 6, 2008

Summary

Computed tomography (CT) scans offer valuable diagnostic and research insights but involve radiation risks. Understanding cumulative dose and patient factors like age and sex is crucial for ethical CT use.

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Area of Science:

Radiology
Medical Imaging
Radiation Oncology

Background:

Computed tomography (CT) is a vital diagnostic and research tool, providing detailed in vivo anatomical and physiological information.
CT enables accurate, noninvasive measurements of tissue density, blood volume, and perfusion.
Serial CT scans allow for longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the benefits and risks associated with computed tomography (CT) examinations.
To detail methods for calculating radiation risk from CT scans.
To emphasize the ethical considerations for clinically indicated and research CT use.

Main Methods:

Review of existing studies on CT radiation risks.
Explanation of dose metrics for CT radiation calculation.
Discussion of risk factors including age, sex, and pregnancy.

Main Results:

CT examinations provide significant in vivo anatomic and physiologic data.
Ionizing radiation from CT poses a small but significant risk of malignancy.
Radiation risk is cumulative, dose-dependent, and higher in younger individuals and females.

Conclusions:

CT offers substantial diagnostic and research benefits, but radiation exposure carries risks.
Radiation risk assessment is essential, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
Ethical CT utilization requires a clear benefit-risk assessment, prioritizing patient well-being and substantial knowledge gain.