What is radiology

Radiology defines a wing of medicine that functions using radiant energy while diagnosing and treating diseases. In simple words, radiology means a process to determine whether a medical condition is present or not before moving ahead with the treatment. It is a test that takes images of different body parts and tries to find relevant issues to support a necessary diagnosis.

This branch of medicine comprises two areas - diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. Both these forms use different radiant energy to provide a required diagnosis. Among the various radio imaging exams, some of the most common include- MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray, PET scan, etc. After the patients experience these tests, the radiologist will provide reports of their elucidations to the concerned doctors.

Now that individuals have a fair understanding of what radiology is, they should know about this diagnostic test's different types and procedures.

Types & procedures of diagnostic radiology

The radiology process determines a range of medical conditions and is categorised based on the type of radiology and the accurate imaging test. The radiographers operate and manage the scanning machines and pass on the findings to the radiologists. Now that you know what a radiographer is, here are the different procedures and types of radiology:

X-rays
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X-rays or simple radiographs monitor the condition of bones, abdomen, or chest conditions. This medical test alone can identify conditions like fractures, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, etc. However, sometimes additional imaging examinations are also required. For example, a chest X-ray can determine lung cancer, but around 20-23% of these tumours fail to get identified in people with lung cancer. MRI can evaluate only a few fractures, while the others require specific X-ray techniques.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans or Computed Axial Tomography utilise a range of X-rays and a computer to form a cross-sectional image of the internal body parts. CT scan provides a more detailed picture than X-ray and explicitly projects areas where tissues overlap. This scan can identify various abnormalities compared to traditional X-rays.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This type of test utilises efficient magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the internal body parts. Although a CT scan is a better procedure for assessing blood vessels and bones, MRI is a superior method for evaluating nerves, spinal cord, tendons, breast tissue, etc. In addition, this diagnostic test conducted through radio imaging enables health care providers to detect things clinically that one could only anticipate in the past. One of the advantages of MRI is that it does not utilise ionising radiation, which is associated with increased cancer risk among children.
Ultrasound
This type of test uses sound waves to form moving images of the body parts. It is widely known as a method for inspecting a fetus during pregnancy. Ultrasound is incredibly productive with certain medical conditions, and they are -
Echocardiogram

Thyroid ultrasound

Breast ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound

This test does not involve radiation and is completely safe during pregnancy.

Uses of radiology

As stated above, radiology enables a doctor and the patient to obtain a range of static images to identify different types of medical examinations. Some uses of radiology include:

Cost of radiology in India

The average cost of radiology or radiation therapy in India depends on the recommended type of radiation technique. However, this price may differ based on the hospitals across different cities in the country. In addition, in some instances, the patient may require multiple treatment processes, contributing to additional costs of the overall radiation therapy.

Since the price can significantly increase depending on the type of radiation and hospitals across cities, individuals can avail of the Health Prime insurance policy extended by Bajaj Finserv. This healthcare plan enables policyholders to receive a flat 10% discount at all network hospitals and pathology centres.

Moreover, this unique insurance plan offers extensive tele and video consultation with reputed doctors, complementary health check-ups, etc.

The membership fee for this exclusive health package starts at Rs.699 and is valid for one year. Besides, individuals can avail various lab testing facilities from different diagnostic centres. Moreover, if one is a member of this package, they can avail of a 10% discount on medicines at network hospitals.

Individuals must understand that diagnostic radiology is not limited to X-rays and CT scans. The horizon is much broader. With the benefit of radiology, possible health-related risks are minimised and eliminated with appropriate shielding.

Fluoroscopy
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X-rays or simple radiographs monitor the condition of bones, abdomen, or chest conditions. This medical test alone can identify conditions like fractures, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, etc. However, sometimes additional imaging examinations are also required. For example, a chest X-ray can determine lung cancer, but around 20-23% of these tumours fail to get identified in people with lung cancer. MRI can evaluate only a few fractures, while the others require specific X-ray techniques.
Nuclear medicine scans
This type of test includes techniques that utilise radioactive material identified by a camera to create images of the internal parts of a body. Some of the nuclear medicine scans include:
- Verifying accurate placement of surgical markers
- Orthopaedic evaluations
- Chiropractic examinations
- Mammography
- Dental examination
- Static recording or spot film during fluoroscopy

Frequently asked questions on radiology diagnostic

What is the use of radiology?

Radiology determines various medical examinations and procedures using static images to support a necessary diagnosis. Here are some of the uses of radiology:

Orthopaedic evaluations

Mammography

Static recording or spot film during fluoroscopy

Chiropractic examinations

Dental examination

What is the meaning of radiology?

Radiology or diagnostic imaging is a series of medical tests that produce pictures or images of various body parts. Many of these medical tests are unique that allow doctors to check internal body parts. A range of imaging examinations includes X-ray, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, etc., enabling radiologists to assess a broad spectrum of diagnostic tests.

What is the radiology test?

A radiology test is an essential part of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Besides, it also determines critical medical issues that require diagnosis at an early stage.

Is radiology the same as ultrasound?

No, radiology and ultrasound are not the same. Radiology techniques involve radiations such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. On the other hand, ultrasound does not include radiation. Instead, the latter uses sound wave images of the heart, abdomen, breasts and other body parts for further diagnosis.

What is a radiology scan in pregnancy?

Diagnostic imaging performed in body parts not close to the womb ensures a lower risk of radiation exposure to the fetus. A radiology scan is primarily essential for women worried about breast cancer screening. However, it is always wise to take advice from the concerned doctor about safe radiology practices if one is pregnant or has a chance to get pregnant.