Understanding Different Types of Radiology
Modern day medicine has brought about a wave of technology that
now makes it easier than ever to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases.
Most of these technological advances are solidly rooted in radiology, and the
various approaches doctors can take to examine the body in a safe and
non-invasive way. There are many types of radiology techniques, which can be
difficult to understand. Below, we break down the most common types of
radiology so it's easier to understand and determine the best course of
treatment and diagnosis for you.
MRI
An MRI is a commonly used imaging tactic that can help detect
anything from disease to a torn ligament. MRI is an abbreviation for Magnetic
Resonance Imaging. This radiology technology utilizes a very strong magnet that
pulses through a patient's body. The magnet is able to pull the protons in a
person's body to align with the magnetic field, creating an image that can
easily be read by doctors. MRIs give you the benefits of a detailed image,
without having the negative impacts X-Ray radiation can have on the body if
used repeatedly. An MRI can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, and
does produce a loud clicking sound as the machine runs. MRI technology is best
used for soft, non-bone structures in the body such as for organs, tissues,
ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
CT
CT is short for Computer Tomography and is a different kind of
radiology imaging device. This device utilizes X-Ray technology that is scanned
around the body. Combined with computer software, CT scans produce images of
the body that appear as slices. These are often a great option to allow doctors
to see a more detailed slice of the body and are commonly used to see organs in
a higher level of detail. CT scans are often recommended for people with bone
fractures, tumors, blood clots or can even be used for targeting the specific
area where an infection may have formed. CT scans use similar technology as an
X-Ray, but can often produce a high quality, detailed image of the body
quickly.
Nuclear
Medicine
Sometimes even with a CT scan or an MRI it can be difficult to
get an idea of how an organ is functioning. For this reason, many doctors will
rely on a field of study called nuclear medicine. This utilizes very tiny doses
of radioactive material, injected into the body. The
nuclear medicine may enter the body through a drink, or through intravenous
fluids. The nuclear medicine agents work well with imaging technology, such as
X-Rays, to be able to monitor organ function. Often, doctors will use nuclear
medicine to be able to examine the way the kidneys, brain, thyroid, and the
heart functions. Nuclear medicine can also be used to help track the
progression of various cancerous tumors, or to highlight tiny, hairline
fractures within bones that otherwise may be missed with traditional X-Rays.
X-Ray
X-Rays have the ability to pass through many substances,
including the human body. One of the oldest forms of radiology technology,
X-Rays are commonly used to help examine the harder structures in the body.
X-Rays can be for diagnostic purposes, such as diagnosing a broken bone, or can
be used for therapeutic purposes too. X-Rays have had great success when it
comes to treating cancer, able to shrink and eventually eliminate tumors
growing in the body. Under reasonable usage, X-Rays don't pose any
health concerns for the average person. Consistent exposure to X-Rays though
can present some health concerns and can increase the chance of developing
certain cancers.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology utilizes sound waves to make a picture.
Another non-invasive imagine technology, ultrasound is perfect for soft tissues
such as organs and muscles. To perform an ultrasound sound waves are sent into
the area of the body under examination. A small transducer is used on the
outside of the body, with some gel to allow the transducer to move easily over
the skin. The sound waves are bounced back to the transducer, and then
collected into an image that can be easily viewed on a screen. Many people
recognize ultrasound technology to get an image of a baby still in the womb.
Ultrasound technology can also be used for other medical purposes too.
Sometimes an ultrasound is used to examine organ function on the liver, spleen,
kidneys or bladder, or can be used to help guide doctors performing delicate
procedures such as biopsies.
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