In this blog post, we will look at how advances in imaging technology are increasing diagnostic accuracy and improving the safety of treatment.
Introduction
In hospitals, diagnosis is as important as direct treatment. The cause of the disease must be determined as accurately and quickly as possible. The accuracy of diagnosis has a direct impact on the patient’s treatment outcome, so imaging plays a particularly important role in the process. Radiology is also called radiology because it is mainly responsible for medical radiography. The development of radiology has enabled doctors to look inside the body without opening it, which has greatly improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Visual understanding of a patient’s condition is essential for planning surgery or treatment, and radiology is at the center of this diagnosis.
Radiologists can obtain a lot of information about a patient’s condition by analyzing the images obtained through imaging. For example, they can observe broken bones or tumors in the lungs, and based on this information, they can develop an appropriate treatment plan. In this process, radiologists need not only technical knowledge but also a high level of anatomical understanding and analysis skills. This is because their judgment must be accurate for the patient to recover faster and more effectively.
In addition, the human body is very sensitive to external stimuli, so it is ideal to accurately identify the problem and minimize the amount of stimulation on the body. In particular, when undergoing surgical treatment, the body is exposed to the outside for a long period of time, so there is no time to waste opening the body and searching for the cause of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to collect all the information about the patient’s condition in advance before the surgery. This information is an important factor in determining the success of the surgery. In this blog post, we will look at the operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each of the three main devices used in radiology.
X-Ray
X-rays are a technology that uses relatively high-energy wavelengths of electromagnetic waves to see through the body. When an X-ray beam is briefly shone on the body, the high-energy X-rays penetrate the body and are reflected on the photographic film on the other side. In the process, different substances in the body absorb different amounts of X-rays. For example, calcium in bones absorbs more X-rays because it has a relatively high atomic number, while muscle, which is a protein, absorbs less. At this point, a darker shadow appears behind the bone that has absorbed a lot of X-rays, which appears white in the X-ray image. X-rays can be easily absorbed by materials with a lower density than bone, depending on the intensity, so it is important to take pictures by measuring the exact number.
The advantages of X-rays are that they are relatively easy and convenient to use and the machines are inexpensive. This is why they can quickly detect problems such as bone fractures and cancer. Moreover, X-rays are especially useful for patients who need immediate treatment because they can quickly obtain results in emergency situations. However, because radiation must be directly applied to the body, the risk of cancer may increase in situations where long-term exposure or multiple tests are required. This makes X-rays particularly dangerous for young children. Despite the potential risks of radiation, X-rays are still essential in many medical settings, and their importance is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
CT (Computed Tomography)
CT scans are also a technology that uses X-rays. However, rather than a simple two-dimensional X-ray image, the X-rays that are shot from various angles are combined by a computer to allow a cross-section of the body to be viewed without cutting it. CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses. Patients swallow a contrast agent (such as barium or iodine) before the scan. This material has the property of not passing through radiation, which enhances the contrast of the image and enables more precise diagnosis. CT can also capture soft tissue, which has a low density and cannot be seen with X-rays, in a delicate and fast manner.
The advantage of CT is that it can clearly distinguish even the tissues in the body that have a density difference of just 1%. CT can achieve high contrast resolution. For example, if the color of one part is different when looking at a cross-section of the brain, it is possible to know that there is tissue other than brain tissue. CT scans take longer and expose more radiation than X-rays. Therefore, patients who have undergone multiple scans are at a higher risk, and the risk is three times higher for children, especially those with leukemia and brain tumors. Despite these risks, CT is an essential tool for diagnosing and planning treatment for complex diseases because it can clearly visualize the complex internal structures of the body. In addition, many people have allergic reactions to the contrast agents used in CT. For this reason, CT should be used with caution, and it is important to consider alternative tests when necessary.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI is a technology that uses the principle that hydrogen atoms begin to interact with a strong magnetic field when exposed to it. Hydrogen atoms in the magnetic field absorb energy, and when the magnetic field disappears, they return to their original state and emit electromagnetic waves. However, since about 60% of our body weight is made up of body fluids, most of which are water, our bodies are rich in hydrogen that is ready to be excited. The MRI machine repeatedly turns the powerful magnetic field on and off, which excites the hydrogen atoms. At this time, the sensors combine the intensity and speed of the electromagnetic waves emitted to create a cross-sectional image of the body. This is why the MRI has the disadvantage of taking a very long time to perform compared to X-rays and CT scans.
The advantage of MRI is that it does not use radiation, so there is no risk of radiation. This is especially beneficial for pregnant women who are sensitive to radiation or patients who need repeated tests. In addition, MRI can take more detailed pictures than X-rays or CT scans, and can observe cartilage and soft tissue that are difficult to see with X-rays. However, since MRI uses a magnetic field, no metal objects should be inside the machine during the test. Therefore, patients who have undergone heart surgery or who have artificial objects in their bodies cannot be examined. In addition, the loud noise that occurs when the magnetic field is turned on and off can be unpleasant for patients. It is unsuitable for patients with claustrophobia because they have to remain still in a small space for a long time. Despite these drawbacks, MRI is a very accurate and radiation-free test that is of great value. Unfortunately, however, the high price is considered a disadvantage. This makes patients who are on a budget hesitant to get an MRI.
Future of Medical Imaging
In addition to the three methods mentioned above, there are many other technologies used in radiology to diagnose patients. Advances in medical imaging technology are increasing the accuracy of diagnosis and playing an important role in the treatment process of patients. Using these technologies, medical scientists have conducted a lot of research on the human body and developed new treatment methods and diagnostic technologies. Thanks to the development of science in the 21st century, new and safer imaging techniques are being developed. For example, as more sensitive sensors are developed, technologies that minimize the amount of radiation are being developed. This allows for higher-resolution images with less radiation exposure than before.
In addition, theragnosis (therapy + diagnosis), a technology that simultaneously identifies the presence of target cell tissues and provides treatment, is also being developed through the new field of nanomolecular imaging. This technology is attracting great expectations as it enables early diagnosis and treatment of cancer by targeting specific cancer cells. Even without taking a picture, technology has been developed that allows the location of the tumor to be directly confirmed by injecting a luminous substance. As imaging medicine advances, doctors will be able to provide more complete medical care through less invasive methods. Furthermore, surgery can be performed only on patients who really need it, reducing unnecessary risks. Advanced imaging technology will reduce false diagnoses and medical errors, and patients will not have to go through multiple tests with just one accurate test. This progress will ultimately contribute to providing higher-quality medical services at more realistic prices. In the future, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology will enable more sophisticated diagnosis and treatment planning, which will bring about major changes in the medical field.
