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Radiology
Radiology is the medical specialty that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists use a variety of imaging modalities, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine, to obtain detailed images of the body’s internal structures. These images help in diagnosing conditions such as fractures, tumors, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Interventional radiology, a sub-specialty, involves minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging for treatment purposes.
1.Radiology X-Ray
Definition:
- An X-ray is a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body. The images show the parts of your body in different shades of black and white, because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation.
How it works
- X-rays pass through the body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through.
- Dense materials like bone appear white on X-ray images, while softer tissues appear darker.
Uses
- Detecting bone fractures and infections.
- Monitoring the progression of diseases such as osteoporosis.
- Locating foreign objects inside the body.
- Assessing lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer.
Procedure
- The patient is positioned so that the part of the body being examined is between the X-ray machine and a piece of film or a digital detector.
- The X-ray machine sends a controlled amount of radiation to the body part being examined.
- Images are captured and interpreted by a radiologist.
Risks
- Exposure to a small amount of radiation. Generally considered safe when used appropriately, but there is a slight risk of cancer with repeated exposure.
2. Sonography (Ultrasound)
Definition
- Sonography, or ultrasound imaging, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. It is commonly used for examining a developing fetus, abdominal organs, heart, blood vessels, and other soft tissues.
How it works
- A transducer (probe) emits sound waves and then listens for the echo.
- The echoes are converted into images on a monitor.
- Different tissues reflect sound waves differently, creating a detailed image of the inside of the body.
Uses
- Monitoring the health and development of a fetus during pregnancy.
- Diagnosing conditions in the abdomen, such as gallstones, liver disease, and kidney stones.
- Evaluating blood flow in arteries and veins to detect blockages or clots.
- Guiding procedures such as needle biopsies.
Procedure
- A gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves.
- The transducer is moved over the area of interest.
- The sound waves bounce off tissues and organs, and the echoes are recorded to create an image.
Benefits
- Non-invasive and typically painless.
- No exposure to ionizing radiation, making it safer for frequent use.
- Real-time imaging allows for dynamic assessment of organs and structures.
Limitations
- Quality of images can be limited by patient’s body size or presence of gas in intestines.
- Not as effective for imaging bones or air-filled organs like lungs.