Do I need a CT scan for a sinus infection?

Do I need a CT scan for a sinus infection?

Yes. It is important to receive a CT Scan even if you aren’t necessarily experiencing any symptoms. Doctors have conducted CT Scans on healthy people who have not experienced sinus pressure or problems and have found obstructions and other abnormalities that required treatment.

Which is better for sinus MRI or CT scan?

MRI scans are very helpful in looking at cancers of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. They are better than CT scans in telling whether a change is fluid or a tumor. Sometimes they can help the doctor tell the difference between a lump that is cancer and one that is not.

How long does a CT scan for sinus take?

You may be asked to remove jewelry and earrings. The actual scan should take about 30 seconds. The entire process should take 15 minutes.

What can a sinus CT scan reveal?

CT of the sinuses is primarily used to:

• help diagnose sinusitis.
• evaluate sinuses that are filled with fluid or thickened sinus membranes.
• detect the presence of inflammatory diseases.
• provide additional information about tumors of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• plan for surgery by defining anatomy.

Does CT of sinuses show brain?

Special CT scans are done to study the paranasal sinuses. This is useful if sinusitis is suspected. A typical series of CT scans for the sinuses use less x-ray radiation than a standard complete set of x-rays. However, a CT scan of the sinuses does not show any brain tissue.

Can you get a tumor in your sinuses?

Nasal and sinus tumors are benign or cancerous tumors that occur in the nose or sinuses. Cancerous nasal cavity or sinus tumors are rare, with only about 2,000 being diagnosed in the United States each year.

Does CT scan of sinuses show brain?

How do I prepare for a sinus CT scan?

CT Sinus with IV Contrast: Do not eat anything for 4 hours before the exam. Drink only clear liquids, such as plain jello, tea, fruit drinks without pulp, black coffee and water. If you are over 60, diabetic or have high blood pressure, a blood test is needed before your scan. (See Exams That Require Contrast).

What do you wear for a sinus CT scan?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your sinus CT scan. Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins, may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed for the sinus CT scan. You may be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.

What does an abnormal sinus CT scan look like?

The abnormal scan shows sinuses filled as a grey color (look between the eyes, and on the left of the image), meaning the sinuses are filled with either swollen, inflamed tissue or with mucus that can’t drain. Sinus surgery is often helpful in treating long-standing cases of sinus infections / sinus inflammation.

What does a sinus tumor feel like?

Pain in the forehead, cheek, nose or around the eyes or ear. Post-nasal drip at the back of the throat. Frequent and persistent nosebleeds. Double or blurred vision.

Can you see inflammation on a CT scan?

Why It’s Done. An abdominal CAT scan can detect signs of inflammation, infection, injury or disease of the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It is also used to look at blood vessels and lymph nodes in the abdomen.