Imaging tests provide valuable diagnostic images .
Radiology tests are imaging tests that show physicians images of potential problems that might be going on within the human body. It uses high energy in different forms to show the changes in energy patterns the body tissues are experiencing. They show both normal and abnormal bodily functions and structures allowing physicians to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.
X-Rays
X-Rays are the most common radiology or imaging test being used today. X-ray equipment uses photographic film to capture the image. The portion of the body to be X-rayed is positioned by a technician on the machine, which then sends radiation or electromagnetic waves through the body. Solid or dense matter, like bones, appears white in the X-ray, while soft tissue or breaks appear dark. X-rays are not harmful, but cautions are taken if a patient is pregnant.
Mammograms
Mammograms are used to screen and diagnose breast cancer in patients. They are X-rays of the breast most commonly used to screen for calcifications (mineral deposits) and masses in their earliest stages. This is a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is a more thorough X-ray involving multiple views to provide more diagnostic information.
CT Scans
Computer Tomography Scans, or CT Scans, are images that show tissues and organs in more detail than standard X-rays. The images are created using a computer, and using this method allows the physician to blow up the image to more clearly see the information it shows. Used since the 1970s for finding cancer, CT Scans can give the physician more detailed information about a tumor's size, shape and location.
Bone Density
As with mammograms bone density tests are used to make early diagnosis of osteoporosis risk in patients. The bone density test, like an X-ray, is painless, takes about 15 minutes and by using just a small amount of radiation can identify the amount of calcium in a bone and therefore predict the chances of fracture.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses very strong magnets rather than radiation to take an image of a patient's body. MRI is very helpful at finding cancer in parts of the body that are hard to see using traditional imaging tests. Often used to find cancer in the brain, head, neck and spinal cord, MRI images help physicians determine whether surgery or radiation would be the best method for treatment.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds, also known as sonograms, sonography or ultrasonography, create pictures using high-frequency sound waves. Used often when soft tissue are involved that X-rays can't pick up they are a good diagnosis tool to find fluid-filled cysts as opposed to more solid tumors. Although not as detailed as an MRI or CT scan, they are very useful in finding the extent a tumor has progressed into the wall of an organ such as the uterus, rectum or esophagus.
Tags: bone density, finding cancer, imaging tests, soft tissue, that show, used screen
