X-Ray Exams/Ultrasound Exam

X-Ray

X-ray radiography was invented in 1895 and has been a valuable diagnostic tool ever since.  Radiographs work by transmitting short-wave electromagnetic beams called x-rays through a patient.  These rays can penetrate the skin but will bounce off of harder tissue, like bones.  By manipulating the frequency of the waves, the radiologist can control how deep they penetrate and what type of image will be generated.  The resulting image, once developed, shows the underlying structure of the body and is invaluable for identifying broken bones, finding foreign objects inside the body and identifying the presence of fluid in the lungs and other organs. 

Because of the age of this technology, radiographs are often much cheaper than other types of imaging tests like MRIs and CT-scans.  This makes them the preferred method for diagnostic imaging in many cases, especially those where soft tissues do not need to be examined.  Radiographs are the primary diagnostic tool for many types of skeletal abnormalities, fractures, arthritis and pneumonia. 

Despite their popularity, x-rays do pose some risks to both patients and hospital staff.  When taken in high doses, the radiation emitted by them can cause health complications.  Radiation affects tissue on a cellular level, which can lead to the development of some cancers and premature aging.  Fortunately, it takes large doses of radiation for this to occur, and most patients will experience no risk from a diagnostic x-ray. 

Because the effects of x-ray radiation are cumulative, certain safety precautions are taken by radiologists and others who work with these machines.  X-rays cannot penetrate lead, so radiologists wear special lead-lined rubber smocks to protect themselves against repeated exposure to radiation.  Additionally, x-ray machines are stored and used in rooms that are fitted with special lead screens and leaded glass to prevent radiation from escaping and affecting people in other areas of the facility.

Ultrasound

An Ultrasound examination use safe sound waves to peek inside the body and your doctor to diagnose a variety of diseases and assess the health of your internal organs. There are several specific areas of the body that ultrasound is particularlry useful:

-- Heart
-- Abdomen
-- Extremities
-- Pelvis
-- Thyroid
-- Kidneys
-- Breasts

If you have any pain, swelling, or infection in one of these areas ultrasound can hep your doctor to better understand the extent of your illness and offer a more specific treatment. Ultrasound can also be used to assess health conditions such as pregnancy.

For the various organ systmes the types of ultrsound exams are as follows:

Cardiovascular
Ultrasound can be used to diagnose blood clots. If you have sudden pain or swelling in your legs an ultrasound would be necessary to determine if you have a thrombus or not. Physical exam is inadequate to make this diagnosis! You must have either a cat scan or ultrasound to be sure.

If you have shortness of breath and edema in the legs/ankles ultrasound can be used to determine if you have congested heart failure. A 3D echocardiogram can help your doctor determne if your heart is functioning properly.

If you have dizziness, headache, weakness on one side of the body and ultrasound can look at your carotids and help your doctor decide if you have blockage of the carotid arteries and may have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack).

Abdomen
An abdominal ultrasound produces imaging that can help evaluate your:

-kidneys
-liver
-gallbladder
-pancreas
-spleen
-Aorta and other blood vessels

This may be indicated if you present with symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, distention of the abdomen, flank pain or abnormal lab results.

Extremities
Swelling of a joint such as the knee may be caused by blood or fluid accumulating inside the joint, Ultrasound can help determine this safely and inexpensively. Or if you have poor lymphatic drainage ultrasound can help make that diagnosis.

Pelvis
A pelvic ultrasound can help your doctor visualize your uterus and ovaries. Uterine fibroids, abnormal menses or vaginal bleeding, and pelvic pain should all have ultrasound as part of the diagnostic work-up.

Thyroid
Swelling or pain in the neck may need a biopsy but the first steps are a blood test checking the thyroid function and an ultrasound to look at the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands.

Breast
A lump in your breast may be a cyst or something ore serious. Ultrasound is a quick, safe and easy way to see the structure of the breast tissue. Your doctor can then determine fi mammograpy or a biopsy are necessary.