Radiologist

A radiologist is a doctor who practices using X-rays to make accurate and correct diagnoses.

X-ray examination is one of the most popular diagnostic tests in our time. X-rays are used to obtain standard X-ray images of the skeletal system, as well as some organs. Fluorography, tomography, angiography - all these procedures are impossible without X-ray radiation.

These studies using X-rays are carried out by a specialist radiologist.

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Who is a radiologist?

All over the world, the profession of a radiologist is considered one of the most prestigious and respected. Qualified representatives of this specialty have extensive knowledge in the field of using various medical equipment, both standard X-ray machines and magnetic resonance and computed tomographs, as well as angiographic tomographs. The specialization of a radiologist also includes the ability to diagnose diseases using ultrasound and radionuclide methods, visualize data sufficient to determine or clarify the patient's diagnosis.

In order to fully and sufficiently master this serious and necessary profession, a future specialist must thoroughly and thoroughly understand all systems and organs of the human body without exception, in order to be able to represent all sections and specializations of this medical field.

When should you see a radiologist?

A patient may be referred to a radiologist on the advice and referral of various medical specialists: traumatologists, surgeons, therapists, cardiologists, pediatricians, vertebrologists, orthopedists, urologists. The reasons for referrals for examination may be:

• abdominal pain of unknown origin;
• toothache and jaw pain;
• foreign bodies in the digestive and respiratory tract;
• suspicion of inflammatory processes or development of neoplasms;
• unexplained cause of hyperthermia;
• areas of swelling on the surface of the body;
• injuries, limited joint mobility, unexplained redness of the skin and other signs.

Fractures, bruises, headaches of unknown origin, vascular disorders, pathologies of the middle ear, digestive and respiratory systems - the reasons for visiting radiologists can be listed endlessly. These and many other symptoms can become a signal for additional diagnostics, including X-ray examination.

What tests should be taken when visiting a radiologist?

An X-ray examination is a diagnostic procedure, so no additional tests are required. The doctor may ask for a referral from a specialist to understand the essence of the problem and methods for finding the causes of the pathology. In addition, the images and description of the results are often sent directly to the attending physician, who, in addition to the X-ray, may prescribe a number of additional studies at his discretion. This directly depends on the clinical picture, the severity of the patient's condition, and the suspected diagnosis.

What diagnostic methods does a radiologist use?

X-ray diagnostic methods:

• radiography method (film or digital) – obtaining an image due to the different density of body tissues, which are illuminated by X-rays. The image can be displayed on a snapshot or on a computer screen;
• fluoroscopy method – obtaining a fluorescent image with subsequent transmission to a computer screen. This method allows examining organs during their natural functioning. The downside of this diagnostic procedure is that the radiation dose received by the patient is much higher than with standard radiography;
• linear tomography method – an X-ray examination that allows for the assessment of each layer of tissue of the organ being diagnosed, with a systematic increase in the scanning depth;
• X-ray computed tomography method – allows determining the density and permeability of tissues. This is especially important when assessing complex organs and tissues filled with pathological substances (serous fluid, pus, blood).

What does a radiologist do?

A radiologist is a kind of diagnostic expert in the field of using X-ray examination methods with subsequent interpretation of the results of the images. Representatives of this profession work in inpatient and outpatient medical institutions, in diagnostic structures (X-ray rooms).

A qualified radiologist diagnoses diseases using X-ray equipment. In this case, possible diseases of the lungs, skeletal system, spine, teeth, etc. are examined.

Having extensive knowledge in the field of radiation physics, the specialist constantly improves his qualifications, studying radiation diagnostic methods, deciphering and evaluating the results obtained after conducting the study. The complex devices that radiologists work with require colossal knowledge and experience in handling the equipment, as well as good visual memory, the ability to concentrate on details, patience and perseverance.

The profession of a radiologist is impossible without a full medical education and serious practice: such specialists undergo training in the department of radiology and radiation diagnostic methods in higher medical educational institutions.

What diseases does a radiologist treat?

A radiologist does not treat, but recognizes diseases of many human systems and organs based on the results of an X-ray examination.

The X-ray diagnostic method is divided into several types:

• general method (description of technique and methodology);
• private method (X-ray of pathologies of immediate organs and systems: bones, joints, heart, pulmonary system, digestive tract, etc.);
• specialized method (use of X-rays in professional pathologies, in gastroenterology, phthisiology).

The X-ray diagnostic method is used for the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• pathologies of teeth and jaws, joints and skeletal system;
• examination of bones of complex configuration (this includes examinations of the skull, spine, hip joint);
• diagnostics of pathologies of the biliary, reproductive and urinary systems using methods of introducing a contrast agent;
• examination of the bronchi and lungs (detection of tumors, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, pathology of bronchial patency, the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory system;
• X-ray of the heart and circulatory system;
• X-ray examination of gastrointestinal tract pathologies using contrast agents, identification of tumor processes, peptic ulcers, and abnormalities in the relief of the mucous membrane.

The doctor conducts the examination, describes the results of the image, compares the examination picture with the clinical symptoms and formulates the final diagnosis.

Advice from a radiologist

Before undergoing an X-ray examination, the patient needs to be aware of certain requirements that must be followed during the examination.

• Before taking the picture, it is necessary to expose the area of the body that is being examined.
• You may need to remove any metal rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces or other jewelry, as well as eyeglasses with metal frames, as these items can affect the accuracy of the image by reflecting the x-ray rays.
• You may be asked to wear protective equipment to protect your reproductive organs from exposure to radiation.
• If the patient is pregnant, she must inform the radiologist, as radiation may pose a risk to the fetus. If an X-ray examination is unavoidable, the woman will be offered certain safety measures to minimize possible consequences for the fetus.
• Sometimes the examination involves the use of a contrast agent, which makes it possible to highlight the necessary organs or vessels of the body. The substance can be introduced into the body by internal fluid intake, as well as by enema or injection. Before introducing the contrast, it is necessary to determine the presence or absence of an allergy to this substance.

A radiologist is, first and foremost, a diagnostic specialist and consultant with a higher medical education. You should not ignore the X-ray examination procedure: the experience and knowledge of a radiologist are sometimes indispensable in matters of identifying, defining and specifying a disease, which is extremely important for prescribing competent and effective treatment.

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