Radiology is a medical subfield focusing on creating and interpreting diagnostic images to help diagnose a patient. The doctors who specialize in utilizing imaging technology are called radiologists. They play a critical role in any patient’s healthcare journey.
How Does Radiology Work?
The main objective of radiologists is to create images of a patient’s internal organs and tissues. Doing this helps determine the presence of disease, foreign objects, tissue damage, and anomalies.
Doctors use various imaging techniques and equipment depending on what a patient needs. These tests all vary in what they detect and how they capture images. Some examples include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- PET scans
- MRI
What happens during any of these tests varies, as does the duration. However, they all tend to be non-invasive. Some tests, like X-rays, don’t require any preparation whatsoever. Others may require the patient to avoid fluids, eating, or medication for a few hours beforehand.
The duration of a test also varies depending on the test. A CT scan will typically only take a few minutes, while an MRI scan could go on for a couple of hours.
A radiologist will then interpret a patient’s results and send them to the appropriate doctor. The doctor can then better assess the next steps a patient should take for assessment or treatment.
How Does Radiology Help Doctors?
Radiology is essential in almost every aspect of healthcare. It is a vital tool for diagnosing many diseases and monitoring specific treatments. It can also help doctors predict a patient’s risks for specific medical conditions in the future.
For Diagnosis
Radiology can help doctors check for a broad range of diseases and conditions. The most commonly known imaging test is the X-ray for bones. However, diagnostic imaging tests can check for other things, as well, including:
- Torn muscles
- Pregnancy
- Tumors or cancer
- Infections
- Foreign objects
- Brain activity
Being able to view a patient’s internal organs and tissues is invaluable. Diagnostic imaging helps doctors detect conditions that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye, such as tumors or other abnormalities. It can even detect diseases that don’t yet have symptoms, allowing for early treatment. The earlier a disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Diagnostic imaging is also highly useful for orthopedic concerns. If a patient sustains an injury, an X-ray test can help identify the exact cause of the problem. Diagnostic imaging is highly beneficial for people with foot and ankle injuries. Those parts contain multiple small bones. Without radiology, identifying fractured bones would be nearly impossible and require open surgery.
Treatment Monitoring
Additionally, these technologies enable real-time imaging of the body’s system and examination of blood vessels. In addition, they can provide 2D and 3D maps of a patient’s tissues anywhere in the body. Real-time observation is particularly critical for observing ongoing treatments, especially for cancer. Regular observation is a critical step toward understanding whether a disease is successfully treated, has gone into remission, or recurs.
Because of this, doctors rely heavily on the tests and interpretations that radiologists provide. Diagnostic imaging enables a clearer picture of what’s going on inside the body. From there, they can detect the stage and predetermine the course of treatment.
Are There Risks?
All diagnostic imaging tests involve radiation exposure, which carries some measure of risk. Any medical procedure involving radiation requires safety training and other measures to ensure a patient’s health.
However, these risks are minuscule. Imaging technology is highly advanced and the amount of radiation that patients receive is almost insignificant. Still, it’s best to be aware of any potential problems a diagnostic test might cause.
Some diagnostic tests are inadvisable for patients with specific underlying conditions or undergoing specific treatments. For instance, patients with pacemakers might not be able to undergo MRI testing. Although modern pacemakers are safe for use even in MRI machines, it’s safest for a patient to consult a doctor beforehand. Pregnant women may also want to avoid X-rays. It may be best to limit the child’s exposure to radiation and ensure its healthy development.
Diagnostic Imaging Center in Florida
Diagnostic imaging is an invaluable medical procedure for both patients and doctors. It ensures that doctors receive as much information as possible about their patients, allowing them to create accurate diagnoses. Without radiology, treating more complex diseases and conditions would be nearly impossible.
If you are in the area and looking for the most accurate scans and imaging, Innovative Open MRI & Imaging can do just that with our exceptionally-trained radiologists.
To schedule an appointment, contact any of our facilities below:
- (904) 268-1080 (Jacksonville)
- (407) 915-6355 (Lake Mary)
- (850) 433-0674 (Pensacola)
You can also fill out our online request form, or visit any of our locations in Jacksonville, Lake Mary, or Pensacola.
