Introduction
Radiology is a medical field that uses imaging to both diagnose and treat disease seen within the body. Radiologists are physicians specializing in diagnostic imaging who use X-rays, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and other equipment to examine patients. They also perform other specialties such as interventional radiology or robotic surgery. The radiology profession has grown dramatically over the past few decades due to technological advances in medical imaging technology. However, there is still room for growth as there are currently an estimated 80–120 radiologists per million people worldwide which means there are about two million people working in this field globally.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the body. MRI can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including cancer, blood disorders, brain disorders, spine disorders, infections and heart disease. It’s also used to monitor and guide the treatment of many conditions.
The two main types of MRI machines are:* 1) A three-dimensional scanner that requires patients to lie on their backs or sides with their feet in stirrups;* 2) A spin-echo machine that scans brain activity while keeping patients in a sitting position (but they must still have some level of sedation).
CT Scan
CT scan is one of the most common imaging tests. It uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body, which can be used to evaluate the anatomy and extent of disease. CT scans are a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to produce cross sectional images in order to evaluate for certain diseases or conditions. The CT scanner rotates around you while it takes multiple scans at different angles with high energy doses that can penetrate through soft tissue areas in your body such as bones and joints without causing harm (this allows doctors to see internal organs).
In addition, many other types of radiologic studies are done during an MRI scan including:
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Bone density scan: This involves determining how much calcium is being deposited into bone tissue over time by measuring radiopaque contrast material injected into your bloodstream through an intravenous line connected directly into a vein under ultrasound guidance; this method helps detect osteoporosis which causes brittle bones leading up toward osteoporosis’s peak age at 50 years old but may also be detected early on in life when it affects younger adults who have been exposed enough times throughout their lives so there isn’t much time left before reaching those numbers!
X-Ray
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. They can be used to detect and diagnose diseases, as well as treat some diseases.
For example, an x-ray image shows the internal structure of your body during an exam. This allows your doctor to see what’s going on inside you without having to open up your body (which would take hours).
Nuclear Medicine
Radioactive material can be used to diagnose disease. This process involves injecting the radioactive material into the body, then using a camera to detect it. Nuclear medicine may be used to diagnose cancer, heart disease and kidney disease.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and noninvasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. It can be used for many different procedures, including pregnancy diagnosis and management.
Ultrasounds are also used to evaluate other medical conditions, such as:
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Weight gain or loss in pregnancy
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Heart disease (e.g., heart murmur)
Mammography
Mammography is a screening test for breast cancer. It’s the most common form of breast cancer screening in the United States, and it’s a type of X-ray that uses low doses of radiation to take pictures of your breasts. Mammograms are taken by a technician who then sends them to a radiologist for interpretation.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose coronary artery disease and assess the severity of heart muscle damage. A small tube (a catheter) is inserted into a vein in the arm or groin and then into an artery that leads to the heart.
Cardiac catheters may be placed through an artery in your leg or chest and threaded under pressure through veins towards your heart. Once inside your body, these devices allow doctors and nurses to take pictures of structures within arteries close up, such as plaque buildup within vessels.
Coronary CT Angiography
Coronary CT Angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive, diagnostic test that uses a special X-ray machine to create images of the coronary arteries. CTA can be used to evaluate coronary arteries for blockages, narrowing and inflammation.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses small amounts of radioactive material to produce images of the body. PET imaging can be used to diagnose cancer and other diseases, monitor treatment response, and assess the effects of medication on organs.
A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer substance called a radiotracer. The tracer travels through your body until it reaches its target organ where it works like an internal camera—capturing images that show how well cells are working together in that organ under normal conditions or after receiving treatment for whatever health issue you may have been diagnosed with.
Endovascular repair of aneurysm
Endovascular repair of aneurysm is a procedure to repair a weakened or ruptured blood vessel in the brain or neck.
Endovascular techniques are used when arterial embolization and stenting are unsuccessful. Common endovascular procedures include:
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Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
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Endovascular cerebral angioplasty with stent placement (CASP)
Interventional Radiology – Angiography with Arterial Stenting and Embolization
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a medical field that uses imaging to both diagnose and treat disease seen within the body.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Uses magnetic fields to produce images of internal organs, bones, muscles and soft tissue.
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CT Scan – A non-invasive test that uses x-rays to create detailed images of various parts. The image may be used for diagnosis as well as treatment planning such as flow mapping or tracking catheters during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures in an emergency department setting without requiring open chest surgery or invasive procedures on patients undergoing angiography procedures such as arterial stenting/embolization for coronary artery disease where there is significant stenosis (stenosis).
Conclusion
The radiology field is a great place to start your career. The possibilities are endless and you can always find a job that fits you. With so many different types of imaging techniques available today, there’s never been a better time to get started!