Radiology
What is Radiology?
Radiologists utilize a variety of medical imaging procedures to diagnose patient conditions.
Some of the procedures they use a the following:
X-Rays
Computed Topography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Nuclear Medicine
Positron Emission Topography (PET)
Ultrasound
There are three types of radiologists:
Diagnostic Radiologist
They see inside the body to look into patient's condition. They use these images to fully diagnose and give treatment.
Diagnostic Radiologists are able to go into subspecialties and are granted through research and clinical work. Some of the subspecialities include:
Breast Imaging
Chest Radiology
Head and neck radiology
Pediatric Radiology
Musculoskeletal radiology
Neuroradiology
Cardiovascular radiology
Emergency radiology
Genitourinary radiology
Gastrointestinal radiology
Interventional Radiologist
Interventional Radiologist use image-guided and minimally invasive ways like X-rays and CT to fully diagnose and treat the patient. In addition, they use small instruments, like catheters or wires from the outside of body, to get through the root of the medical problem with minimal body incisions.
These type of radiologist help treat conditions like cancer and uterine fibroids, heart disease, stroke, and more. Because they offer minimal invasions into body, it often results in less consequences in comparison to traditional surgery.
Some of the procedures they do are the following:
Needle biopsy:
through the help of imaging methods, they place a small needle into the body to give diagnosis without the extensiveness of traditional surgery.
Catheter insertions:
Place catheter into vein to treat chemotherapy, nutritions, and hemodialysis.
Injection of clot-dissolving medicines:
They dissolve blood clots and help improve flow to limbs, organs, and more through ways like tissue plasminogen activator.
Radiation Oncology
This type of radiologist focuses of cancer patient treatment. These highly trained professional in oncology medicine work closely with the patient and utilizes radiation therapy as a mode of cancer treatment. They work alongside surgical oncologists, medicinal oncologists, nurses, and more on the oncology medical team to coordinate how to manage the patient's cancer.
Interested in pursuing a path in Radiology?
Quick Facts about Radiology: the difference between radiology procedures
X-rays is an electromagnetic radiation that produces radiographs and detects broken bones, bone/tissue relationships, and masses. It is not harmful as radiation exposure is minimal.
Computed Topography (CT) utilizes x-ray and computer techniques to formulate body cross section images of tissues. This helps diagnose and treat cancer, infectious diseases, trauma, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) purposes insight to show in depth images of the internal organs and structures of body using magnets, computers, and radio waves. It is used to diagnose tumors, pelvic pain, cysts, and more.
Nuclear Medicine radiopharmaceuticals, which are small radioactive material, are used to depict the form and function of areas like bone, tissue, and organs.
Positron Emission Topography (PET) are usually used in tandem with CT scans as both really specify disease situation, however with PET scans, through the use of IV injection of Fluorodeoxyglucose, it demonstrates biological function within the body. It is usually used to pinpoint, diagnose, and treat cancer tumors.
Ultrasound (Sonography) are used to evaluate fetus, organs, and guiding needle biopsies through high-frequency waves that produce distance and size of objects. It is painless and easy.
Learn more about Radiology through our previous sessions!
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