Why I Chose Radiology Essay Example For Students

Why I Chose Radiology Essay RadiologyHumanity, constantly learning, growing,and facing more challenges each secondof the day. Whether the challengesare mental or purely physical. We have found moreefficient, safer, and easier ways of doingthe tasks we may face. From moving cargo, tosending information via the Internet. Probably the greatest accomplishments we havemade, are in the studies of medicine/treatment. And to be specific, the study of radiology. We will write a custom essay on Why I Chose Radiology specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Radiology, the process of working and viewinginside the human body without breaking the skin. By using radiantenergy, which may take the form of x rays or other types of radiation,we are able to diagnose and treat many diseases and injuries. Bothdiagnostic and therapeutic radiology involve the use of ionizing radiation( Beta, Alpha, Gamma, and x rays), with the exception of the MRI, whichuses a magnetic field rather then radiation. Radiology is classified as being eitherdiagnostic or therapeutic. Diagnostic radiology is an evaluationof the body, by means of static or dynamic images or anatomy, physiology,and alterations caused by injury or disease. A majority of thesepictures are formed by passing a low or high level of x rays through thepart of the body being examined, producing the static image on film. This image is called a radiograph or x ray picture. The image itsself may have many forms. It could be a common radiograph, such asa chest x ray; a tomograph (Greek for section), which is a radiographobtained by timing the x ray exposure to correspond with the movement ofthe x ray tube and film in opposite directions around the plane of thebody; or, finally, a computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan. Which is a computer analysis of a sharply limited, thin x ray beam passedcircumferentially through an area of the body, giving the doctor of Techniciana cross-sectional image. Much like that of slicing a loaf of breadinto sections. Other images may be obtained by using ultrasoundor MRI, or by recording the activity of isotopes internally administeredand deposited in certain parts of our body. This practice is callednuclear radiology or nuclear medicine. This include such techniquesas a PET scan, or positron emission tomography, which uses patterns ofthe positron decaying to study metabolism reactions in the body. PET requiresa cyclotron as an on-site source of short-lived, positron-emitting isotopes. The isotopes are injected into the patient along with a glucose relatedcompound, and the positrons collide with the electrons in the bodyto produce photons. The photons are then tracked by a tomographicscintillation counter, and the information is processed by a computer toprovide both image and data on blood flow and metabolic processes withinbodily tissues. PET scans are particularly useful for diagnosingbrain tumor and the effects of strokes on the brain, along with variousmental illnesses. They are also used in brain research and in mapping ofbrain functions. Another form of imaging is ultrasound. Ultrasound, which uses very high frequency sound, is directed into thebody. And because the tissue interferences reflect sound, doctorsare able to produce, by use of a computer, a photograph or moving imageon a television. Ultrasound has many application uses on the body,but is more commonly used in examinations of the fetus during pregnancy,because use of radiation may affect the outcome of the baby. Someother practices for ultrasound include examination of the arteries, heart,pancreas, urinary system, ovaries, brain, and spinal cord. And becausesound travels well through fluids it is a very useful technique for diagnosingcysts( which are filled with fluid), and fluid filled structures such asthe bladder. And since sound is absorbed by air and bone it is impossibleto use a ultrasound on bones or lungs. .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .postImageUrl , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:hover , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:visited , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:active { border:0!important; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:active , .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u81e473a3ca7095e8e770f06e8d809cbc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Love Is Not All EssayThe sound waves are produced by a randomoscillating crystal, and are inaudible to humans. A instrument calleda transducer is used to transmit the sound waves and receive the echoes. The transducer must be in close contact with the skin, and a jelly likesubstance is used to improve the quality of the transmission. And last of the diagnostic imaging toolsis the MRI. MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Was a technique developed in the 1950s by Felix Bloch, and is the mostversatile, powerful, and sensitive tool in use. The process of MRIwas originally called NRI (Nuclear Resonance Imaging), but was found tobe to confusing due to the fact that MRIs dont use radioactivity andionizing radiation. The MRI generates a very powerful electromagneticfield, which allows the radiologist to generate thin-section images ofany part of the body. Also it can take these images from any directionor angle, and is done without and surgical invasion. Another plusside to the MRI is The time it take to perform, where as a CAT scan maytake 30-60 min. A MRI may only take 15 minutes max. TheMRI also creates maps of biochemical compounds within a cross-sectionof the body. These maps give basic biomedical and anatomical informationthat provides new knowledge and may allow early diagnosis of many diseases. The MRI is possible in the human bodybecause our bodies are filled with small biological magnets, the mostabundant and responsive of these are the protons (in the nucleus of thehydrogen atom). The principal of the MRI, utilizes the random distributionof protons, which have basic magnetic properties. Once the patientis placed in the cylindrical magnet, the diagnosis process follows 3 steps. First, MRI creates a steady state of magnetism in the body, that is 30,000time greater then that of the earths own magnetic field. The rateof absorption in the body is measure in megahertz and gigahertz ranges. Then MRI stimulates the body with radio waves to change the steady-stateorientation of the hydrogen protons. It then Stops the radio wavesand listens to the bodies electromagnetic transmissions at the selectedfrequency. The transmitted signal is used to create images much likethose of the CAT scans, but are far more accurate and much easier to interpret. In current practice, the MRI is preferredfor diagnosing most diseases of the brain and central nervous system. And is the best diagnostic technique we know. Its images, information,and other vital information surpass that of its relatives the CAT scans,x rays, PET scans, etc. The MRI has yet another distinguishing featureit can determine between soft tissue in both normal and diseased states. The only drawback to the MRI is that is relatively expensive (~$2,000 dollarssession), but that may not be so bad when you account for all the moneyand time you save by getting treatment and diagnosis sooner. Becausethe MRI uses no radiation what-so-ever the only risk it presents is topeople who have one or more of the following: A pacemaker, neurostimulator,implanted electrodes, pumps, or electrical devices, diabetic insulin pumps,aneurysm clips, shunt, seizures, heart bypass surgery, abdominal injuries,eye prosthesis, hearing aid, dentures, middle ear prosthesis, metal mesh,wire sutures, war injuries or gunshot wounds, other known metal fragmentsin head, eye, or body, known possible pregnancy, IUDs, penile prosthesis,joint or limb replacement, fractured bones treated with metal rods, plates,pins, screws, nails, or clips, any other for of prosthesis, permanent eyeliner, wig, or make-up with metallic fragments. Many organs that may not be visible byroutine radiographic methods may become visible by ingesting, installing,injecting, or inhalation of substances. These substances are calledcontrast media, which are impenetrable by radiation. Exams involvinga contrast include the upper intestine, the colon, a arthrogram ( a injectioninto a joint), myelogram ( an injection into the spinal canal), and anangiogram ( a injection of the contrast into an artery, vein, or lymphvessel). These procedures may be observed while the they are takingplace, by fluoroscopy. Which is a movable, radiation sensitive screen. .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .postImageUrl , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:hover , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:visited , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:active { border:0!important; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:active , .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519 .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uace83b61e079e01987eacc4e071d4519:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Martin Luther King Jr Vs Malcolm x EssayNow That I have described static imagesand the processes used to create them let me explain dynamic images andhow they are manufactured. Dynamic images, which record movementof organs or the flow of contrast material through blood vessels or spinalcanal, may be obtained be recording the image by fluoroscopy, or by recordingon to video tape or movie film (cineradiography). Both film and thevideo tape are permanent recording media. The fluoroscopic imageon the other hand isnt. However, these images can be made permanent( film spots), and can be made at any time during the examination. The use of ionizing radiation inthe assessment of a disease is similar to the use of drugs and medicationin treatment of the disease. For the simple reason that radiographicexams should only be performed for specific medical indications and onlyon the direct request of a physician or another skilled professional. And although diagnostic radiation dose levels do have a small risk potential,no current evidence shows that properly conducted diagnostic exams haveno detectable adverse effects on our bodies. Dynamic images are usedquite frequently, but not as often as static images. As I mentioned at the beginning of my report,there are 2 sections of radiology. And since I just discussed diagnosticradiology, it is time to explain a little about therapeutic radiology. Therapeutic Radiology is used in the treatment of malignant diseases withionizing radiation, either alone or with drugs. This practice branchesoff from the discovery of elements that occur naturally in the late 19thcentury. Such treatment is often described in terms of energy ofthe beam being used: superficial(less then 120 Kilovolts, orthovoltage(l20 to 1000 kV), megavoltage (Greater then 1000 kV) Superficialradiation is used in treatment of diseased skin, eye, or other parts ofthe bodies surface. Orthovoltage therapy has almost been completelyreplaced megavoltage(cobalt, linear accelerator, and betatron). Becauseit provides more efficient delivery of the intended dose to tumors deepwithin the body, sparing the skin and surrounding tissues as much as possible. Radiation therapy may be used alone asthe treatment of choice in most cases of cancer of the skin; in certainstages of cancers involving the cervix, uterus, breast, and prostate; andin some types of leukemia and lymphoma, particularly Hodgkins Disease. In such instances, radiation therapy is intended to effect a cure. But when is use with cancer-treatment drugs it may only pose as a reliefof symptoms. Radiation therapy is commonly used before and aftersurgical removal of certain tumors, in order to provide a better chanceof cure. The idea of radiation therapy is that normaltissues have a greater ability to recover from the effects of the radiationmore so then tumor and tumor cells. Thus, a radiation dose sufficientto destroy tumor cells will only temporally injure adjacent normal cell. And if the ability of normal tissue to recover from a given amount of radiationis known to be the same as or less then that of the cancer tissues, thetumor is described as being radio-resistant. Such forms of therapyare not considered an appropriate form of treatment. Well, as you can see radiology is a fieldof study that deserves our uttermost attention. For the future ofhumanity may one day totally rely on these processes.