Radiology

X-Ray Imaging:

X-ray imaging, also known as radiography, is a common and widely used diagnostic tool in medicine. It involves the use of ionizing radiation to produce images of the inside of the body. X-rays are particularly useful for examining bones and detecting abnormalities such as fractures, dislocations, and bone infections. They can also visualize soft tissues to some extent, making them valuable for identifying conditions like pneumonia, tumors, and foreign objects.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography):

A CT scan, also known as computed tomography or CAT scan, is a more advanced imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to create detailed, three-dimensional images of internal structures.

During a CT scan, the patient lies on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped machine called a CT scanner. The scanner rotates around the body, emitting X-ray beams from multiple angles. A detector on the opposite side of the scanner measures the amount of radiation that passes through the body. The data collected from these measurements are processed by a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional images, or slices, of the body.

CT scans are particularly useful for visualizing soft tissues, organs, blood vessels, and abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, and internal bleeding. They provide more detailed information than conventional X-rays and are often used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including trauma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.

While CT scans provide valuable diagnostic information, they do involve a higher dose of radiation compared to X-rays. However, advances in technology have led to the development of low-dose CT protocols, which help minimize radiation exposure while still producing high-quality images.