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Imaging and Radiology
Imaging and Radiology
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.
Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology.
Doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists.
Information
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
Diagnostic radiology helps health care providers see structures inside your body. Doctors that specialize
in the interpretation of these images are called diagnostic radiologists. Using the diagnostic images, the
radiologist or other physicians can often:
Monitor how well your body is responding to a treatment you are receiving for your disease or condition
Screen for different illnesses, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, or heart disease
Computed tomography (CT), also known as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, including CT
angiography
Fluoroscopy, including upper GI and barium enema
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Interventional radiologists are doctors that use imaging such as CT, ultrasound, MRI, and fluoroscopy to
help guide procedures. The imaging is helpful to the doctor when inserting catheters, wires, and other
small instruments and tools into your body. This typically allows for smaller incisions (cuts).
Doctors can use this technology to detect or treat conditions in almost any part of the body instead of
directly looking inside of your body through a scope (camera) or with open surgery.
Interventional radiologists often are involved in treating cancers or tumors, blockages in the arteries and
veins, fibroids in the uterus, back pain, liver problems, and kidney problems.
The doctor will make no incision or only a very small one. You rarely need to stay in the hospital after
the procedure. Most people need only moderate sedation (medicines to help you relax).
Examples of interventional radiology procedures include:
Needle biopsies of different organs, such as the lungs and thyroid gland
Breast biopsy, guided either by stereotactic or ultrasound techniques
Uterine artery embolization
Feeding tube placement