Radiology – Basic Definition
Specialists that deal with medical imagining are called radiologists. In this, they analyze the different types of medical imaging in an effort to identify, diagnose, and treat various injuries or conditions. Radiology is the general term used that describes the study of said imagery. Radiologists and radiographers are different from each other in that sonographers specialize in the actual use and operation of medical imaging devices; whereas, radiologists focus on studying the imagery itself. There are numerous types of radiologists, including diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiology, radiation oncology, and medical physicists.
In this article, we will be studying the above-mentioned focuses, as well as the many, more granular subspecialty areas of the field.
Did You Know?
X-rays have been around for a long time. X-rays were discovered and developed by a German physicist named Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. Within months of his announcement, physicians and surgeons were using them to detect foreign objects in the body. Within a year, the news and technology were being used in this country, to find bone fractures and treat gunshot wounds.
Your radiologist plays an important role in your health by acting as an expert consultant to your referring physician by choosing the proper exam and directing radiology technologists in properly performing quality exams. They interpret and report on the resulting images, recommending treatment and, only when appropriate, additional tests.
Diagnostic radiologists, through extensive clinical work and related research, may also specialize in these radiology subspecialties:
Radiological Subspecialties
1. Neuroradiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the central nervous system, head, neck, and spine.
2. Gastrointestinal Radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the digestive tract.
3. Breast Imaging Diagnostic radiology that focuses on diagnosing breast diseases.
4. Pediatric Radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on ways to create images of children’s bodies, their organs, and internal structures.
5. Cardiovascular Radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on diagnosing diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including the arteries and veins.
6. Chest Radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the chest, specifically the heart and lungs.
7. Musculoskeletal radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diseases of the muscles and skeleton.
8. Interventional radiology A subspecialty of radiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating patients by using minimally invasive interventional techniques. These include imaging and treatment of blood vessels (angiography), biopsy procedures, line and tube placement, and fluid abscess drainage.
9. Genitourinary radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the organs of the reproductive and urinary tracts.
10. Emergency radiology Diagnostic radiology that focuses on the diagnosis of trauma and nontraumatic emergency conditions.
11. Nuclear radiology A subspecialty of radiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating patients with tiny doses of radioactive material.
Ultrasound – St. Petersburg Florida
How It Works
When looking into ultrasound technician schools, programs, careers, types of facilities you can work in, or facilities for your procedural needs, you will probably find a lot of information comparing radiology to Ultrasound. Although these fields use completely different technology, both types of care providers use imaging techniques as a primary tool for their diagnosis. Ultrasound utilizes sound waves while the radiologist uses a variety of tools, including x-rays, ultrasound, radionuclides, and other methods to help patients.
Authored By: Angie Gardner of Venous Solutions,
2191 9th Ave N Unit 150,
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(813) 944-0668
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