When it comes to radiology, there is no denying that it is crucial in medical care. From fixing bones to saving lives, radiology is an indispensable part of modern medicine. Get to know why this science is so essential in the modern medical world. But what exactly is radiology?
Radiology means the science of radiation. In this case, radiation means X-rays, gamma rays or protons. By sending a high energy beam, you can draw a 2-D or 3-D image of internal organs of the body. Radiation first started with X-rays and was used to detect broken bones and other hidden injuries. Over a period, this technology now comprises fluoroscopy, CT-scan, MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Angiography. Each of these applications has a different utility.
Let’s get to know some of the reasons why radiology is so essential in today’s medical world.
1. Heart diseases
Radiology can also help in discovering any heart-related diseases. If there is any blockage in the blood vessels, doctors can find out its location and take remedial measures. Heart blockage is the major reason behind heart attacks.
2. Tuberculosis
Radiology is also helpful in discovering diseases like tuberculosis. This disease is responsible for the deaths of a vast majority of people in the developing world. In TB, the lung area is infected by certain foreign biological organisms. Radiology can detect the location and the size of the disease in the lungs.
3. During pregnancy
This technology is also helpful in determining the state of pregnancy among women. Sometimes gynecologists and obstetricians need the help of radiologists to determine the location of the fetus inside the womb. Normal methods can not examine the uterus, and that is why radiology is needed in some cases. In many cases, doctors have saved the lives of the fetus as well as the mother using radiology. Expectant mothers can get more information here on radiology; please click this link.
4. Injuries
Sometimes, we injure our ligaments, tendons and bones without realizing it. We suffer from a throbbing pain somewhere in our joints or limbs but do not know the reason. In such cases, radiologists use what is known as an MRI or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging to find about our injuries. This technique is particularly useful for athletes, soldiers and all those who use a lot of physical labour.
5. Brain/ Head related issues
If someone is experiencing a throbbing pain inside the head, radiology comes to the rescue. Using advanced techniques such as an MRI, doctors can locate the source of that pain inside the head. In many cases, this technique has helped to discover diseases such as migraine, cancer, etc. Early detection of cancer has saved many lives in Australia and elsewhere.
6. Gastrointestinal issues
You may require a radiology-related intervention if there is some acute discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a special technology called PET which can discover hidden ulcers, cancers, and other diseases inside your abdomen.
7. Sex-determination
Some parents like to know the sex of their unborn child. Radiology helps in finding the gender of the child inside the womb. Radiology and radiotherapy are also used in treating some specific forms of cancer. Many cancer patients have extended their lives through radiology.
Radiotherapy involves focusing an intense beam of energy on the affected part of the body. This way, the cancerous cells are killed, and the spread of the disease is also stopped. Radiotherapy doesn’t affect healthy skin cells, so it is perfectly safe for the human body. Indeed, radiology is vital in not just detecting diseases and injuries, but also saving human lives.
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