What Can A CT Scan Reveal About Your Sinuses?
For those suffering from frequent or recurrent sinusitis, or chronic facial pressure and nasal congestion, an in-office sinus CT scan may be the next step to finding relief. The results can help determine the cause of your sinus symptoms and allow our doctors to develop the most effective treatment plan.
Sinusitis is the result of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, which are empty pockets in the bones of the face and forehead. The paranasal sinuses are normally filled with air. When these sinus cavities become inflamed and their outflow obstructed, it can cause infection, swelling and serious discomfort. A CT scan is the gold standard for identifying these obstructions and diagnosing sinusitis. A scan can also determine if there is an anatomic obstruction.
Sinusitis is the result of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, which are empty pockets in the bones of the face and forehead. The paranasal sinuses are normally filled with air. When these sinus cavities become inflamed and their outflow obstructed, it can cause infection, swelling and serious discomfort. A CT scan is the gold standard for identifying these obstructions and diagnosing sinusitis. A scan can also determine if there is an anatomic obstruction.
A Map Of Your Sinuses
It is best to consult with an ENT doctor prior to having a CT scan. This is important because:
Sinus anatomy varies greatly from person to person, and an individualized look at a patient’s sinuses can be very insightful. This “sinus map” focuses on three aspects:
A sinus CT scan is the most effective way to determine the cause and severity of your sinusitis because it shows the areas where inflammation or infection exists and allows the doctor to see what is causing your sinus symptoms when physical examination cannot. A sinus CT scan is a valuable diagnostic tool because:
It is best to consult with an ENT doctor prior to having a CT scan. This is important because:
- An ENT doctor may determine a CT scan is not needed
- If a CT scan is necessary, the ENT doctor will order the scan to his or her specifications and use it as a "road map" if surgery is needed. A CT scan performed before seeing an ENT specialist may not meet these specifications, resulting in the need for another CT scan.
Sinus anatomy varies greatly from person to person, and an individualized look at a patient’s sinuses can be very insightful. This “sinus map” focuses on three aspects:
- Bone (appears white on the scan) with particular attention to narrow passages or obstruction of natural drainage passages
- Mucosa, or sinus lining (is usually invisible but appears grey when swollen)
- Pockets of air (appears black)
A sinus CT scan is the most effective way to determine the cause and severity of your sinusitis because it shows the areas where inflammation or infection exists and allows the doctor to see what is causing your sinus symptoms when physical examination cannot. A sinus CT scan is a valuable diagnostic tool because:
- The process is painless
- The results are accurate
- The test is non-invasive
At CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat, a sinus CT scan is also convenient. We offer in-house CT scans in just 5-10 minutes, using a small fraction of the radiation of a hospital or imaging center based scanner. Our doctors can often review scan results with the patient at the same office visit.
As an Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) CT-accredited facility, CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat is focused on providing you with answers and valuable insight regarding your health, and doing so in a way that is fast, easy, and reliable. The IAC has a 25-year history of evaluating and accrediting providers of various medical diagnostic tests, and currently works with more than 14,000 sites throughout the United States and Canada.
A sinus CT scan allows your doctor to best understand your unique situation and develop the most effective treatment plan for you. To schedule an appointment to discuss your sinus treatment options and to see if a CT scan of the sinuses would be beneficial, call (704) 752-7575.
As an Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) CT-accredited facility, CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat is focused on providing you with answers and valuable insight regarding your health, and doing so in a way that is fast, easy, and reliable. The IAC has a 25-year history of evaluating and accrediting providers of various medical diagnostic tests, and currently works with more than 14,000 sites throughout the United States and Canada.
A sinus CT scan allows your doctor to best understand your unique situation and develop the most effective treatment plan for you. To schedule an appointment to discuss your sinus treatment options and to see if a CT scan of the sinuses would be beneficial, call (704) 752-7575.
