Radiology, also called diagnostic imaging, is a series of different tests that take pictures or images of various parts of the body. Many of these tests are unique in that they allow doctors to see inside the body. A number of different imaging exams can be used to provide this view, including X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, CT scan, and PET scan.
Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology, and interventional 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:
Diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
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.
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).
