Radiological examinations produce various images that show the inside of the body, thereby facilitating diagnosis. One well-known radiological examination, for example, is mammography for the early detection of breast cancer.
Mammography is currently the best method for the early detection of breast cancer @ Peakstock / AdobeStock
While an X-ray can accurately depict the bones of the human skeleton, structures such as intervertebral discs, cartilage, and tendons are only visible in an MRI image. X-ray diagnostics rely on harmful X-ray radiation, and computed tomography (CT) also uses this technology.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography (ultrasound), however, do not involve any harmful radiation. MRI was also discovered and developed more recently than X-rays.
Although the fields of radiation therapy and nuclear medicine are closely related to radiology, they have since become independent medical specialties. Neuroradiology is a subspecialty of radiology.
When radiological procedures are used directly as therapy rather than purely for diagnostic purposes, physicians refer to this as interventional radiology. These interventional radiological treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization.
After completing their medical degree, radiologists must undergo at least five years of additional training to specialize in radiology.
In addition to diagnostic radiological examination methods—that is, imaging techniques—the radiologist learns not only the techniques and physical principles of diagnostic devices such as MRI, CT, and X-ray, but also, and most importantly, how to make a diagnosis—that is, the precise interpretation of images from inside the body.
In addition to performing radiological examinations, evaluating the results and diagnosing diseases are among the most important tasks of a radiologist. Not only can they evaluate the resulting images with the greatest accuracy, but they also use this information to guide further treatment.
In addition, further subspecializations—such as pediatric radiology, radiation oncology, or nuclear medicine—are now common.
While radiologists used to focus primarily on diagnosis, today there are also radiology specialists who treat complex medical conditions. This falls under the field of interventional radiology.
Diagnostics remains the primary focus of a radiologist’s work. However, the clinical scope of radiology is constantly expanding.
In interventional radiology, a radiologist can perform minimally invasive procedures using radiological technologies. These procedures are used to treat
- vascular diseases (e.g., stents or balloon dilation for narrowings and blockages),
- tumors (e.g., embolization for cancer of the uterus, liver, or prostate), or
- image-guided pain management for spinal disorders and joint pain.
Such procedures are performed by the radiologist on an outpatient or day-surgery basis.
State-of-the-art equipment is used in interventional radiology. In addition, the radiologist performing the procedure must possess specific skills to carry out the minimally invasive procedures with the best possible outcome. The interventional radiologist must possess exceptional dexterity and excellent spatial awareness so that the surgical instruments can be guided into position according to the radiological images.
In addition to these minimally invasive procedures, the field of radiology holds enormous potential that continues to evolve thanks to technological advancements. These include, for example, so-called therapy monitoring and minimally invasive oncology.
Apart from the fact that no metallic objects may be near or inside the MRI scanner, there are no known harmful side effects.
The strong magnetic field during an MRI examination attracts metal parts and can thus cause injury if there are metallic foreign bodies inside the body. In the past, for example, there have been incidents involving a pacemaker, a metal splinter in a patient’s brain, or external metal plates.
However, these complications are well understood today and can be ruled out during an MRI diagnostic procedure. The contrast agent required in most cases also has few to no side effects.
An MRI scan allows all internal organs to be viewed from various angles @ omune /AdobeSTock
All diagnostic imaging procedures today carry only minimal risks, which can be minimized to the greatest extent possible with the right knowledge and precautions. Doctors and patients can protect themselves from ionizing X-ray radiation.
For individuals exposed to X-rays in the course of their work, the maximum annual limit is 20 mSv. To monitor this, affected individuals—such as doctors or medical technologists—must wear a dosimeter.
To protect themselves from X-ray radiation during examinations, radiologists and patients wear, for example, lead aprons, goggles, or thyroid shields. Any potential harm caused by this radiation is negligible compared to the enormous benefits that radiological imaging procedures provide for diagnosis.
Only through radiology can clear images of the body’s interior be produced, providing information about the signs of a disease and how it can be treated most effectively.
