Radiology is improving the accuracy of diagnosis by non-invasively examining the inside of the body through technologies such as X-ray, CT, and MRI. This process plays an important role in improving the success rate of surgeries and treatments by identifying a patient’s condition in advance, and further advancements are expected to make healthcare safer and more efficient.
Introduction
In a hospital, diagnosis is just as important as direct treatment. The cause of a disease must be determined as accurately and quickly as possible. The accuracy of the diagnosis directly affects the outcome of the patient’s treatment, and imaging medicine plays a particularly important role in this process. Radiology is also known as radiology because it”s mainly responsible for medical radiography. The development of radiology has allowed doctors to see inside the body without having to open it up, which has greatly improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Visualizing a patient’s condition is essential for planning surgery or treatment, and radiology is at the center of this diagnosis.
By analyzing the images they take, radiologists can gain a wealth of information about a patient’s condition. For example, they can observe a fractured bone or a tumor in the lungs, which allows them to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. In this process, radiologists need not only technical knowledge, but also a high level of anatomical understanding and analytical skills. The more accurate their judgment, the faster and more effectively the patient will recover.
In addition, the human body is very sensitive to external stimuli, so it”s ideal to be able to accurately identify the problem and minimize the stimulation to the body. Especially when it comes to surgical treatments, the body is exposed to the outside for a long period of time, so there is no time to waste on opening it up and finding the cause of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to gather all the information about the patient’s condition beforehand. This information is an important factor in determining the success of the surgery. In this blog post, we”ll explain how each of the three main devices used in radiology works, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
X-rays
X-rays are a technique that uses relatively high-energy wavelengths of electromagnetic waves to see through the body. When an X-ray is briefly shone at the body, the high-energy rays pass through the body and are reflected on a photographic film on the other side. Different substances in the body absorb the rays in different amounts. For example, calcium in bone has a relatively high atomic number, so it absorbs more X-rays, while muscle, which is a protein, absorbs less. Bone that absorbs more X-rays will have a darker shadow behind it, making it appear white on the X-ray. Depending on the intensity of the x-rays, they can be easily absorbed by materials that are less dense than bone, so it’s important to take accurate readings.
The advantage of x-rays is that they are relatively easy and convenient to use, and the machines are inexpensive. That’s why they can quickly detect problems such as bone fractures or cancer. X-rays are also particularly useful for patients who need immediate medical attention, as they can give quick results in emergency situations. However, because radiation must be directed directly at the body, prolonged exposure or multiple exams can increase the risk of cancer. This makes x-rays especially dangerous for children. Despite the potential dangers of radiation, x-rays are still essential in many medical settings, and their importance is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
CT (Computed Tomography)
CT scans are also a technology that uses X-rays. However, rather than a simple two-dimensional x-ray picture, it uses a computerized combination of x-rays from many different directions to see cross-sections of the body without cutting through the body. CT provides detailed cross-sectional images that help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis. The patient swallows a contrast agent (such as barium or iodine) before the exam. This substance has the property of not allowing radiation to pass through, which improves the contrast of the picture, allowing for a more precise diagnosis. CT can image dense soft tissues, which are not visible on X-rays, in detail and quickly.
The advantage of CT is that it can reliably distinguish tissues in the body that differ in density by as little as 1%. CT is capable of high contrast resolution. For example, if you look at a cross-section of the brain and see a different color in one area, you can tell that there is tissue other than brain tissue. CT scans take longer and expose you to more radiation than X-rays, so patients who have multiple scans are at higher risk, especially children, who are three times more likely to develop leukemia and brain tumors. Despite these risks, CT can clearly visualize the body’s complex internal structures, making it an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment planning of complex diseases. In addition, a small number of people have allergic reactions to the contrast agents used in CT. For this reason, CT should be used with caution and it is important to consider alternative tests when necessary.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a technique that works on the principle that hydrogen atoms begin to interact with magnetic fields when exposed to a strong magnetic field. The hydrogen atoms in the magnetic field absorb energy, and when the field disappears, they return to their resting state and emit electromagnetic waves. Our bodies are rich in hydrogen, which is ready to be excited because about 60% of our body weight is fluid, most of which is water. The MRI machine repeatedly turns a powerful magnetic field on and off to excite the hydrogen atoms, which sensors combine with the intensity and speed of the electromagnetic waves emitted to create a cross-sectional view of the body. Compared to X-rays and CTs, this means that the examination time is very long.
The advantage of MRI is that it doesn’t use radioactivity, so there is no risk of radiation. This is especially advantageous for pregnant women, who are particularly sensitive to radiation, or for patients who need repeated examinations. In addition, MRI can take more detailed pictures than X-rays or CT, and can see cartilage and soft tissues that are difficult to see with X-rays. However, because MRI uses a magnetic field, there shouldn’t be any metallic objects in the machine, at least during the exam, so patients who have undergone heart surgery or have artificial objects in their bodies cannot be examined. Also, the loud sound of the magnetic field being turned on and off can be unpleasant for patients. It’s not suitable for patients with claustrophobia, as it requires them to remain still in a small space for long periods of time. Despite these drawbacks, MRI is highly accurate and has great value as a test that doesn’t pose a risk of radiation exposure. Unfortunately, it is also very expensive. This can make it difficult for patients who are financially strapped to get an MRI.
The Future of Medical Imaging
In addition to these three methods, there are many other techniques that radiologists use to diagnose patients. Advances in medical imaging technology have increased the precision of diagnosis and play an important role in the patient’s treatment process. With the help of these technologies, doctors have been able to do a lot of research on the human body, which has led to the development of new treatment methods and diagnostic techniques. Scientific advancements in the 21st century continue to lead to the development of new and safer imaging techniques. For example, more sensitive sensors are being developed to minimize the amount of radiation. This allows for higher resolution images with less radiation exposure than before.
In addition, a new field of nanomolecular imaging is developing that allows theragnosis (therapy + diagnosis) to identify and treat the presence of targeted cellular tissue at once. This technology is highly anticipated because it can target specific cancer cells to diagnose and treat cancer at an early stage. There is even a technology that allows doctors to inject a luminescent substance into a tumor and see the location of the tumor with their own eyes, without having to take a picture. Advances in imaging medicine will allow doctors to provide more complete care with less invasive methods. In addition, surgeries can be limited to those who really need them, reducing unnecessary risks. Advances in imaging technology will lead to fewer misdiagnoses and medical errors, and a single accurate test will save patients from having to undergo multiple tests. These advances will ultimately contribute to higher quality healthcare at more affordable prices. In the future, the combination with artificial intelligence (AI) technology will allow for more sophisticated diagnosis and treatment planning, which will revolutionize healthcare.
