Medical doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists.
This article describes the history of radiology and what it takes to become a radiologist.
It also looks at the different radiological procedures and how they are used in medicine.
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For this he went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
The first ultrasound allowing healthcare providers to visualize a fetus in utero was performed in 1958.
Imaging techniques that are now routine were developed more recently.
The first positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scan was performed in 1998.
Interventional radiology in particular, is a very recent addition to medicine.
Radiology Professionals
The typical radiology team is made up of aradiologistand radiation technologists.
A radiologist is a physician who specializes in the field of radiology.
This is followed by four years of residency in radiology.
These technicians usually have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
Most structures of the body are in shades of gray between these two.
X-rays may be used alone to diagnose conditions such as fractures, some pneumonias, or a bowel obstruction.
But oftentimes additional imaging studies are needed.
The area of the body being investigated can place limitations on the efficacy of X-rays.
Specialized X-ray techniques may be used to screen for particular conditions.
CT provides more detail than an X-ray, and can better define areas where tissues overlap.
CT scans can detect smaller abnormalities than can be found with a conventional X-ray.
The use ofcontrast dyes for CT scancan further improve visualization in some areas, such as the digestive tract.
One form of MRI, called functional MRI, can even give an estimate of brain activity.
Ultrasound does not involve radiation and is therefore safe in pregnancy.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy uses X-rays in real time to create moving images of the body.
In some options, these real-time images are particularly important.
Due to continuous monitoring, the radiation exposure with fluoroscopy is significantly higher than that of conventional X-rays.
They are often less expensive.
Some of the conditions that may be treated in this way are listed below.
To Block a Blood Vessel
Alternatively, interventional radiology may be used to block a vessel.
(Peripheral veins, such as a vein in the hand or forearm, are often insufficient.)
Examples ofcentral linesinclude ports and PICC lines.
These are frequently used when a person is unable to eat food for any reason.
Examples include needle biopsies and stereotactic biopsies.
For Fractured Vertebrae
Procedures known asvertebroplasty or kyphoplastycan be used to treat collapsed vertebrae.
In these procedures, a cement punch in substance is injected by the radiologist to effectively repair a fracture.
It’s thought that roughly 50% of people with cancer will undergo some form of radiation therapy.
It was first used in 1990, and offers similar effectiveness to radiation therapy.
Due to the way the radiation is delivered, it may be less likely to damage nearby healthy tissue.
In some cases, a procedure such as an ultrasound or MRI may provide similar results without the radiation.
If you are interested, you an even check out the appropriateness criteria for different scans and procedures.
With children, it’s also a good idea to ask if CT machines have been calibrated for children.
While this is becoming standard in most big medical centers, it may be useful in a community setting.
The Nobel Prize.The Nobel Prize in Physics 1901.
Mettler FA, ed.Essentials of Radiology.
2012;19(1):64-73. doi:10.1016/j.arcped.2011.10.023
National Cancer Institute.Radiation therapy and you.
An indepth look at patient characteristics on both sides of the debate.Thorac Cancer.
2019;103(1):116-122. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.08.027
