Can novice readers read Computer Tomography Colonography (CTC)?

Latest study done in the University of Chicago has indicated that intensive and structured training might enable novices to read the Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC) studies with more accuracy than compared to the standard colonoscopy.

This study appears in online version of Radiology, Underscores the Computed Tomography Colonography’s (CTC) valuable role as a screening tool for colorectal cancer. The cancer which is the 3rd most frequently diagnosed and one of the leading cause of cancer death in USA.

The findings follows a study published in the September issue of “New England Journal of Medicine” shows that both Computed Tomographic (CT) colonoscopy and standard colonoscopy have similar abilities in accurately detecting cancer and precancerous polyps.

The CT could serve as the first screening exam for the cancer. Computed Tomography Colonography better known as “Virtual Colonoscopy”. CTC employs virtual reality to produce 2d and 3d visualizations. This results in minimal invasion evaluation of the entire rectum and colon. And making it more preferred among the patients.

This particular study assessed the ability of novice readers to detect cancer and colon polyps after they had completed a "highly regimented and consistent" training program.

by Jennifer Larson
radRounds.com, Writer
October 15, 2008