Radiologist

Radiologist is a doctor who practices using X-rays for accurate and correct diagnosis.

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

The X-ray specialist is engaged in carrying out these studies using X-ray beams.

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Who is a radiologist?

Throughout the world, the profession of a radiologist is considered one of the most statusful and respected. Qualified representatives of this specialty have extensive knowledge of the use of various medical equipment, such as standard radiology devices, and magnetic resonance and computer tomographs, as well as angiographic tomographs. The specialization of a radiologist includes the ability to diagnose diseases using ultrasound and radionuclide techniques, visualize data sufficient to determine or clarify the diagnosis of the patient.

In order to fully and adequately master this serious and necessary profession, the 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 direction.

When should I go to a radiologist?

The patient can be referred to a radiologist on the advice and direction of various medical specialists: traumatologists, surgeons, therapists, cardiologists, pediatricians, vertebrologists, orthopedists, urologists. The reasons for the research can be:

• abdominal pain of unknown origin;
• dental and maxillary pain;
• foreign bodies in the digestive and respiratory tract;
• suspicion of inflammatory processes or development of neoplasms;
• unexplained cause of hyperthermia;
• puffiness on the surface of the body;
• trauma, limitation of mobility of joints, uncaused redness of skin and other signs.

Fractures, bruises, headaches of incomprehensible origin, vascular disorders, pathologies of the middle ear, digestive and respiratory system - the reasons for applying to radiologists can be listed endlessly. Such, and many other symptoms can become a signal for additional diagnosis, including X-ray examination.

What tests should I take when I call a radiologist?

X-ray examination is a diagnostic procedure, therefore, no additional tests will be required. The doctor may inquire about the presence of a referral from a specialist in order to understand the essence of the problem and the methods of searching for the causes of pathology. In addition, often pictures and a description of the results are sent directly to the attending physician, who, in addition to the radiograph, can assign a number of additional studies at his discretion. It directly depends on the clinical picture, the severity of the patient's condition, and also on the alleged diagnosis.

What diagnostic methods does the radiologist use?

Methods of X-ray diagnostics:

• the method of radiography (film or digital) - the acquisition of images due to different body tissue density, which are radiographed by X-rays. The image can be displayed on a picture or on a computer screen;
• method of fluoroscopy - obtaining a fluorescent image with further transfer of it to the computer screen. This method allows you to inspect the organs during their natural functioning. The disadvantage of this diagnostic procedure is that the radiation dose received by the patient is much higher than with standard radiography;
• the method of linear tomography - X-ray examination, which allows to assess each layer of the tissue of the organ being diagnosed, with systematic increase in the depth of scanning;
• method of X-ray computed tomography - allows to determine the density and permeability of tissues. This is especially important in the evaluation of complex organs and tissues, filled with pathological substances (serous fluid, pus, blood).

What does a radiologist do?

Radiologist is, in a way, a diagnostic expert in the field of using the X-ray examination technique with subsequent interpretation of the results of the images. Representatives of this profession work in medical institutions of inpatient and outpatient types, in diagnostic structures (radiology rooms).

A qualified roentgenologist diagnoses diseases with the help of X-ray equipment. In this case, possible diseases of the lungs, bone system, spine, teeth, etc. Are investigated.

Possessing extensive knowledge in the field of radiation physics, the specialist constantly improves his qualification by studying radiation diagnostic methods, deciphering and evaluating the results obtained after the research. Complex devices with which radiologists work, require colossal knowledge and experience in handling equipment, as well as good visual memory, the ability to focus on small things, patience and perseverance.

The profession of a radiologist is impossible without full medical education and serious practice: such specialists are trained at the Department of Radiology and Radiation Diagnostic Methods in higher medical schools.

What diseases does the radiologist treat?

The radiologist does not heal, but recognizes the diseases of many human systems and organs according to the results of an x-ray examination.

X-ray method of diagnosis is divided into several types:

• general method (description of techniques and techniques);
• private method (X-ray pathology of direct organs and systems: bones, joints, heart, pulmonary system, digestive tract, etc.);
• a specialized method (the use of X-rays in occupational pathologies, in gastroenterology, phthisiology).

X-ray method of diagnosis is used for the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• pathology of teeth and jaws, joints and bone system;
• examination of bones of complex configuration (these include examination of the cranium, spine, hip joint);
• Diagnosis of the pathology of the bile excretory, genital and urinary system by methods of contrast medium administration;
• research of bronchi and lungs (detection of tumors, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, pathology of bronchial patency, foreign bodies in the respiratory system;
• X-ray of the heart and circulatory system;
• X-ray pathology of the digestive tract with the help of contrast agents, the definition of tumor processes, peptic ulcer disease, mucosal embossment disorders.

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

Advice from a radiologist

Before undergoing an X-ray examination, the patient needs to be aware of some of the requirements that must be observed in the study.

• Before taking a picture, it is necessary to expose the part of the body that is being examined.
• You may need to remove all metal rings, bracelets, earrings, chains or other jewelry, as well as metal-rimmed glasses, since these items can affect the accuracy of the image by reflecting the rays of the X-ray.
• Perhaps, it will be suggested to wear protective devices in order to protect the organs of the reproductive system from the effects of radiation.
• If the patient is pregnant, she should definitely tell the radiologist about it, since the radiation can be dangerous for the embryo. If one can not do without an x-ray examination, a woman will be offered certain safety measures in order to minimize the possible consequences for the fetus.
• Sometimes research involves the use of contrast medium, which makes it possible to isolate the necessary organs or blood vessels of the body. The substance can be injected into the body through internal fluid intake, as well as by enema or injection. Before the introduction of contrast, it is necessary to determine the presence or absence of allergies to this substance.

The doctor-radiologist is, first of all, the expert of diagnostics and the adviser having higher medical education. Do not ignore the procedure for radiologic examination: the experience and knowledge of the radiologist is sometimes irreplaceable in the detection, definition and specification of the disease, which is extremely important for the appointment of competent and effective treatment.

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