Medical imaging is a vast and prominent area in medicine. Many people get scared when they hear it for the first time. But upon understanding it, Medical Imaging is perceived as a whole new concept. Because it provides invaluable help in diagnosis and treatment.
Read this article completely and comprehend the concept before you get Medical Imaging in Horningsea Park.
Let’s start with the definition.
What is Medical Imaging?
You should first know the definition of medical imaging before you visit your Radiologist in Horningsea Park. Medical imaging is the practice of using imaging modalities and techniques to capture images of the human body. This can help with the patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
There are several medical imaging approaches, six to be precise, which will also be discussed. Each type employs a unique set of technologies to obtain images for various reasons.
Uses of Medical Imaging
Medical imaging is commonly used for the following purposes.
- The first use is in the ‘Clinical Study.’ It’s used to find patterns between several scans to support or confirm study assumptions.
- It’s also used in ‘Diagnosis Support.’ Computer-aided detection and diagnosis are combined. Artificial intelligence may be used to find patterns in images, and the results can be reviewed by clinicians when diagnosing patients.
- Treatment planning is another use of medical imaging. It allows medics to have information on the optimal treatment course for a patient based on prior results.
- It’s also useful in computer-assisted surgeries where computers help in diagnosis and treatment. It enables faster image capture, analysis, and decision-making than would be possible with a human doctor.
You can always discuss with your radiologist in Horningsea Park why he suggested a particular test. In the case of health, it’s essential to be well informed.
The distinction between Medical Imaging and Radiology
In medical diagnostics, radiology and medical imaging are strongly intertwined. Radiology is a medical speciality that applies radiation to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists are doctors who use imaging technologies to diagnose and treat patients.
The term “radiology” implies that radiation is used. However, ironically, this is not always the case. For example, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound do not utilise radiation in their medical imaging methods.
In the end, radiologists pass along their findings in the medical imaging to the physician who requested the tests.
Types of Medical Imaging
1. X-Rays
An X-ray is a popular practice that produces images by using electromagnetic radiation. We have commonly seen doctors asking for an X-ray to see if there are any bone fractures.
An X-ray is incredibly quick; the entire treatment should take only a few minutes.
As electromagnetic radiation flows through the body, the energy is absorbed in varying rates by different areas of the body. Denser regions of the body, such as bone, appear white because fewer X-rays travel through them.
A contrast agent is sometimes administered to the patient so that soft tissues can be seen more clearly on the imaging.
2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
The next type of medical imaging is the MRI, short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging — a non-invasive method. MRI uses a big, strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to generate 3-D imaging of organs and tissues within your body. An MRI can identify cancers, lesions, injuries, and infections.
One appealing aspect of this form of medical imaging is that it does not require radiation.
3. CT Scan
CT is short for computerised tomography. This takes images from every angle of your body using X-ray technology.
A CT scan gives 3D imaging. Its extremely detailed information is used not only for diagnosis but also for treatment planning and follow-up. A CT scan may identify bone and muscle problems, lumps, cancers, traumas, and internal bleeding.
It varies from a normal X-ray as the CT, generates a cross-sectional picture of the body, much like an MRI. This makes a CT scan superior for inspecting soft tissue and more delicate aspects of an image that an X-ray may miss.
4. Mammography
It is a technique using X-rays to diagnose and discover tumours of the breasts. This technique uses low-dose radiation to create high-quality pictures of breast tissue.
There are two types of mammography — 2D mammography and 3D mammography.
- A 3D mammography generates a 3D picture of each breast by combining numerous X-ray images taken from various angles around the breast.
- A 2D digital mammography uses two X-ray pictures of each breast to build a 2D image of each breast.
5. Ultrasound
Ultrasound is frequently heard in the case of pregnant women. It’s a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to capture images of organs, issues, etc. Ultrasounds can help doctors identify ailments in the heart, blood, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, eyes, uterus, thyroid, etc.
As the radiographer moves the ultrasound probe all over the affected area of the body, images are shown on a computer screen in real-time. Ultrasound, like MRI, does not require radiation, which is why it is so popular for pregnant women to see how the baby is growing.
6. Nuclear medicine
This medical imaging method uses radioactive tracers infused into veins to create pictures of inside organs and structures. Some malignancies, gastrointestinal difficulties, and endocrine diseases are diagnosed using nuclear medicine.
Conclusion
Many people get scared of these tests. But there’s nothing to worry about. Once you understand these tests better, you will overcome that fear.
We hope this article clears your doubts about medical imaging. You’ll be better prepared next time when you get medical imaging in Horningsea Park.
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