medical imaging

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Introduction

Medical imaging is a procedure or process for creating visual images representing the interior of a body that can be used for clinical analysis and medical intervention. Its aim is to reveal internal structures beneath the skin and bones so as to diagnose and treat. The type of imaging a doctor uses depends on the patient’s symptoms and where they are being examined. Many imaging tests are painless while others may require anaesthesia. Medical imaging methods include X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) among others.
                                    Drawbacks of Modern Imaging Technologies                             

            Over the years, many different methods of medical imaging have been developed, and some have their disadvantages. I am going to look at three of this. X-rays are electromagnetic radiations like light waves but have a high energy and can easily pass through the skin. This x-ray energy can cause damage to the cells in the body which may lead to a patient developing cancer. The risk is seemingly small, but it increases with the number of x-rays a patient has to go through.
Computed tomography (CT), uses multiple x-rays to produce detailed images of the body including organs, bones, tumours and tissues. With this method, there is more increased risk of cancer. There is also a likelihood of kidney problems due to injection of a contrast medium also known as dye. The method is also painful as some methods require anaesthesia.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to show ligaments, cartilage, soft tissues and bones. This procedure requires a patient to stay still as moving will damage the image quality. It’s usually a very noisy method. It can also make some people feel claustrophobic. In cases where a patient has a pacemaker, the procedure cannot be taken.
                          The Use of Medical Imaging in the Case of a Broken Limb
The best imaging method that a patient can utilize in the event of a broken limb is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). This type of procedure unlike the ones that I have mentioned above does not use ionising radiation and is considered safe. It is non-invasive, and it is not painful. In some cases, this method can also produce the same results as a CT and without the risks.
                                                 In Case of a Lung Tumour       
If a physician suspects a lung tumour, I will suggest that he uses x-ray. This method is quick, painless and non-invasive and can detect tumours as well as other diagnosis including broken bones. It also has a lower risk as compared to the computed tomography (CT).

Conclusion

With the evolvement of technology in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the discovery of x-rays has had a positive effect on treatment. Although it will have an adverse impact, research has proven that the positive effect surpasses the negative impacts. Therefore, the use of imaging technology is a big step towards the improvement of humanity and saving lives.

Works cited

Mikla, Victor I., and Victor V. Mikla. Medical Imaging Technology. London: Elsevier, 2014. Discovery eBooks. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.

Oliveira, Aparecido Ferreira de, Henrique Manoel Lederman, and Nildo Alves Batista. "The Learning About Imaging Diagnosis Technology." Radiologia Brasileira (2014): SciELO. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.