Most people know radiologists as specialists who use X-rays and other imaging techniques to assist doctors with making appropriate diagnoses. Radiologists, in fact, are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating medical conditions with the help of imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, as defined by the American College of Radiology.
Like other doctors, radiologists go through the regular graduation and accreditation process from a medical school. They further undergo additional years of training and education to become experts in the field of radiology related diagnoses and treatments.
Diagnostic Tools Used by Radiologists
X-rays:
The oldest type of diagnostic imaging in radiology, X-rays have been around for decades. Also known as radiography, the procedure works on the principle of X-rays passing through the body of the patient and transmitting the image onto the X-ray film. Despite numerous advancements made in this field, X-rays still remain one of the most valuable tools in diagnosing conditions, diseases or injuries in the hard tissues of the body.
Ultrasonography:
Commonly referred to as ultrasound, this type of imaging uses ultrasound waves to be passed through the body, which allows visualization of the soft tissue structures of the body. Ultrasonography has the added advantage of not exposing the patients to harmful ionizing radiation, making them safer than other imaging techniques. Ultrasonography is most commonly used for obstetrical imaging, and to assess various blood vessels and associated conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
In this type of imaging, strong magnetic fields are used to obtain images of soft tissues in the body and are one of the most sophisticated systems of imaging available today. The process involved is a complicated one, but MRIs serve as an important diagnostic tool to assess diseases and medical conditions related to the heart, brain, the musculoskeletal system and other organs in the body.
Computed Tomography (CT):
CT scans utilize X-rays combined with computed algorithms to produce imagery that is highly nuanced and accurate. Emergency diagnoses often depend on the results obtained by CT scans, which can be used to assess conditions and injuries in the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, etc.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET):
PET scans are most commonly used for detection, spread and treatment results of various types of cancer. The procedure involves giving a radioactive tracer to the patient, which is picked up by the PET scan machine and produces images of the areas the tracer travels to.
When to Go to a Radiologist?
Patients are usually referred to a radiologist by their family physician or their consulting doctor when there is a need for a specific diagnosis to be made based on different imaging techniques. A consultation with a radiologist may be needed for a variety of medical conditions like:
- Accidents or injuries that have resulted in trauma to soft or hard tissues, like bone fractures or torn muscles
- Cancer or tumor screening
- Detection and monitoring progress of a pregnancy
- Detection of foreign objects in the body or blockages in blood vessels and organs
- Detection and monitoring of infections
Physicians who refer their patients to a radiologist rely on their expertise for picking out the smallest details or inconsistencies in the diagnostic images and make appropriate conclusions. Radiologists are also qualified to perform treatments based on the diagnosis made, especially treatments associated with radiation therapy. They can review and prescribe medications, and also perform interventional procedures like drainage, angioplasty, stenting, drug delivery, etc.
