Imaging and Radiology
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Imaging Technology and Radiology To Diagnose and Treat Disease
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease. Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. The field of therapeutic radiology, which uses x-rays to treat cancer, is now called radiation oncology. Doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Diagnostic radiology helps health care professionals see structures inside your body. Using these images, the radiologist or other physicians can often: Diagnose the cause of your symptoms Monitor how well your body is responding to a treatment you are receiving for your disease or condition Screen for different illnesses, such as breast cancer or heart disease The most common types of diagnostic radiology include: Computed tomography (CT), also know as a CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) CT angiograp Read More... -
Questions and Answers About Radiation Therapy
What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to see inside your body and take pictures, such as x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. Radiation used in cancer treatment works in much the same way, except that it is given at higher doses. How is radiation therapy given? Radiation therapy can be external beam (when a machine outside your body aims radiation at cancer cells) or internal (when radiation is put inside your body, in or near the cancer cells). Sometimes people get both forms of radiation therapy. To learn more about external beam radiation therapy, see "External Beam Radiation Therapy". To learn more about internal radiation therapy, see "Internal Beam Radiation Therapy". Who gets radiation therapy? Many people with cancer need radiation therapy. I Read More... -
Ultrasound: High-Frequency Sound Waves
Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body. How the Test is Performed An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray or CT scan, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test. The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department. You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position so that other areas can be examined. How to Prepare for the Test Preparation for the procedure will depend on the body region being examined. How Read More...
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