What is Radiology?
Radiology also called diagnostic imaging allows the doctor to see inside the body through a series of several tests that take images of various parts of the body. The several imaging exams that are used to provide the image are X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Mammogram, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, BMD scan, Dental OPG X-ray etc.
What is the use of Radiology?
The different radiology procedures help the doctors to:
Diagnose the causes of the symptoms, like gall stones, kidney stones, lung disease, some infections, fatty liver and various other conditions.
Diagnose different types of lumps/tumours or cancers in different parts of the body.
Monitor how well your body is responding to a treatment you are receiving for your condition.
What is the difference between a CT scan and MRI imaging procedures?
CT scan uses X-rays to produce images of the internal structures of the body while MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to produce images of internal body structures. There are different advantages of doing CT scans and MRI scans and each has their specific indications which are decided by the doctor who sends you for the scan and the Radiologist doctor who interprets the images and gives the diagnosis.
What is a CT scan and how long does it take?
A CT (Computerized Tomography) scan uses computers and rotating X-ray emitting technology to create images of the body. These images give more detailed information than a normal X-ray. CT scan can show the soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones in various parts of the body such as head, shoulders, spine, heart, abdomen, knee, and chest. The whole procedure may take between a few minutes to half an hour to complete.
What are the risks associated with CT scan?
The risks associated with CT scan are:
Exposure to the radiation can lead to cancer, but it is very rare since modern machines with their superior technology have inbuilt radiation reduction software.
Allergic reaction to the contrast material.
Multiple CT scans can increase the risk of cancer
Why is CT scan performed?
The CT scan is performed to diagnose diseases and examining injuries. It helps the doctor to:
Diagnose infections, bone fractures, muscles disorders.
Diagnose lumps and tumours in various body parts.
Study the blood vessels and other internal structures.
Guide procedures such as surgeries and biopsies.
Examine the extent of internal injuries and internal bleeding.
Monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain medical conditions like cancer and heart disease.
What happens when you have an MRI?
The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field around you and radiofrequency waves are directed at your body. In some cases, a contrast material is injected into the veins to enhance the images. The MRI machine produces a sound during the scan so earplugs are provided to drown out the sound. You must stay still as any movement can blur the images. The MRI scan can last from 15 minutes to an hour.
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast which the doctor uses to look for early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can help doctors to find breast cancer early sometimes even before it can be felt, but mammograms are not a 100% effective in some cases and then the doctor may order further tests like ultrasound or MRI or biopsy.
What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?
An abnormal mammogram doesn’t always mean that there is cancer. The cancer specialist will order additional mammograms and other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Why an ultrasound is performed?
The ultrasound is performed if you have any condition that requires an internal view of the organs. An ultrasound can give the image of a bladder, brain (in infants), eyes, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, spleen, thyroid, testicles, uterus, and blood vessels.
An ultrasound also guides the surgeon during certain medical procedures such as biopsies.
Overall, the field of radiology and the Radiologist doctor are essential to provide a better understanding of what disease a patient may have by assessing images of the internal body parts of the patient. Images of the body parts can be obtained with various imaging machines as described and the Radiologist doctor assesses these images and provides an interpretation of whether the image looks normal or abnormal. Based on the radiologist’s report, many important clinical decisions can be made and the images provide a very good guide for surgery and further treatment
