 Best Cincinnati Physicians |
 |
|
|
Medical Imaging TechniquesThere are a large number of medical imaging techniques commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Each one is designed to target are specific type of tissues or structures in the body. Medical imaging is to literally create an image of the body's internal structure, with each of the very common medical imaging techniques creating a very different type of image. Some are designed to map the soft tissues or the back, while more advanced medical imaging techniques are designed to create imaging of the body's own chemical reactions. The most commonly used type of medical imaging technique is the x-ray. The x-ray is named such due to the type of radiation used to obtain an accurate image. The x-rays are fed through the body onto a piece of film. The radioactive waves will create an image of the inside of the body on the film based on which rays make it through This is most commonly used to create an image of the bones and other solid structures of the body. First discovered in 1895, it has been one of the most advantageous medical discoveries of the past several centuries, giving birth the the entire field of radiology. The x-ray is still considered to be the standard body imaging technique, and has helped to spawn many of the other medical imaging techniques commonly used today. Here are some of the other common types of medical imaging techniques.
Computed TomographyThis techniques is more commonly referred to as the CAT scan. Computed tomography creates a detailed cross section of a specific part of the body thanks to x-ray technology and computer assisted processing. The patient sits inside the CT machine, which resembles a large donut with a padded table going through the center. The patient will sit on this with the specific area in need of scanning being in the ring. Once in position, the ring will start to slowly spin, taking several x-ray images during its rotation. Once the needed revolutions have been completed, these images are fed into a computer where they are assembled into a 3-D image. There is exposure to radiation in this medical imaging technique that is very similar to that of an x-ray, and the levels have been deemed safe based on tests conducted regarding the procedure. The CT Scan can be used to check for strokes, internal bleeding, tumors, and damage to the soft tissue of the body. Magnetic Resonance ImagingMore commonly referred to as the MRI, this is a relatively new medical imaging technique. Developed in the 1970s, it allows for a closer examination of the soft tissues of the body. Due to the way the technique images the body, it provides for a greater contrast between the soft tissues of the body, making it much more detailed than other body imaging techniques. Unlike many of the other common techniques, the MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of radiation. The patient will lie on a padded table the places inside the MRI machine, which resembles a large tube. Once inside, a magnet is turned on, aligning the molecules in the body. When turned off, the molecules return to their original alignment. During these changes, they are all digitally mapped and fed into a computer system. Each scan creates a single image, and when compiled, they create a very detailed 3-D image of that particular part of the body. The MRI has become the standard medical imaging technique when dealing with the soft tissue areas of the body, and it is used to diagnose everything from a torn muscles to cancerous tumors.
UltrasoundReferred to in many medical circles as ultrasound sonography, this medical imaging technique is commonly thought of in in application during pregnancy. Ultrasounds are actually used in the diagnosis of several different medical conditions, including biopsy procedures, the detection of breast cancer, and other abdominal abnormalities. The name comes from the specific frequency of the sound waves used. This frequency of sound wave is sent into the body, and its return is recorded and interpreted by a machine, creating a medical image. Like the MRI, no radiations is used. Once the reflected sound wave is read, the doctor will be presented with a real-time body image. This has several different advantages over many of the standard body imaging techniques, since areas of interest can be imaged on the spot without the need for additional sessions. Thanks to this, doctors are able to get all the information they need at a much faster rate than normal, leading to a quicker diagnosis and the starting of treatment faster.
|
Nuclear Medicine and PET Scanning
|
