Radiology
What is radiology?
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases. Physicians who specialize in radiology are called radiologists.
Some of the most common radiology imaging exams include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- PET scan
- CT scan
Medical imaging allows doctors to see inside the patient, including soft tissue structures or how a particular system in the body is functioning.
Why is radiology important in healthcare?
Radiology is important because of the role it plays in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Early diagnosis, in particular, can help doctors treat diseases sooner, leading to improved outcomes. This is possible through radiology.
Radiology can also be used as an interventional imaging strategy during medical procedures, which may eliminate the need for more extensive procedures and allow for smaller incisions, leading to a shorter and less painful recovery.