Diagnostic Radiology in Northwest Montana
Diagnostic radiology is a particular field of medicine focused on identifying the source to a patient’s medical problems. Many symptoms can be vague and non-specific, making these types of diagnostic tests incredibly important to the treatment patients may receive.
Diagnostic radiology may also be utilized as a preventative screening tool, or to monitor the progress of a prescribed method of treatment.
The diagnostic radiologists with Northwest Imaging are all board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and provide diagnostic imaging services for patients throughout Montana. Contact us today for more information on the diagnostic imaging services we offer. We perform diagnostic testing at our many Montana radiology clinics including Browning, Townsend, Libby, Kalispell, Plains, Whitefish, Hot Springs, Chester, Shelby, Conrad, Cut Bank, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Fort Benton, Polson, Malta, Rnan, and Choteau.
What are the Types of Diagnostic Radiology Tests?
Not every individual will be recommended for the same type of diagnostic testing. This decision is based off of our radiologists’ professional opinion on which test will offer the most beneficial insights of the patient’s condition. Typically, the area of the body that is exhibiting symptoms, such as pain in the abdomen, will be the first area examined using diagnostic radiology.
X-Ray
Using electromagnetic radiation, an X-ray image is able to provide visuals of an individual’s dense tissues, such as their bones. There are many different kinds of X-rays that can be performed to examine any part of the body.
Mammography
This is a type of diagnostic imaging that is frequently used to screen women for breast cancer or other abnormalities within the breast tissue. During the exam, the patient’s breast is compressed to spread the tissue evenly while an X-ray is performed. More comprehensive mammographic testing may be ordered if your doctor notices any unusual characteristics in an individual’s standard mammography images.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is able to visualize the patient’s internal organs by emitting high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off of a person’s internal structures, which is then translated into a real-time image on a nearby monitor.
Fluoroscopy
A similar type of real-time image may be created by taking continuous X-rays of the body. A contrast dye is also used in this diagnostic radiology test to help internal fluids stand out more sharply in the X-rays.
CT Scan/CAT Scan
A computerized tomography (CT) scan, or a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan may be ordered by your doctor if more detailed analysis of the patient’s internal structures. This type of diagnostic radiology also utilizes X-ray technology, which is implemented using spiral scanners that rotate around the patient while they lie on their back. These X-rays are then compiled to create cross-section images of the body.
PET Scan
A type of nuclear radiology, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tests use trace amounts of radioactive substances to look for disease within a person’s organs and other types of tissue. This particular test is often recommended along with a CT scan to give additional insights of the patient’s condition.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, abbreviated as MRI, is a very common diagnostic test that provides incredibly detailed photos of the body. A single MRI can produce dozens or even hundreds of images, which offer an exceptional understanding of the person’s ailments.
What is the difference between Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology?
As mentioned, diagnostic radiology hinges on the ability to determine the cause of a patient’s discomfort or abnormal symptoms. Interventional radiology includes these diagnostic tools, and also offers a treatment for those with a clear outcome.
An interventional radiologist is a board certified, fellowship trained physician that specializes in performing minimally invasive treatments involving radiation. Such minimally invasive procedures are completed using one or more of the diagnostic tests already discussed. For example, an interventional radiologist will often position a catheter by watching a monitor in front of them that displays the location of the catheter using X-ray, CT, MRI or other diagnostic imaging technology.
Interventional radiology is often used to treat various forms of vascular disease in addition to uterine fibroids, open block blood vessels, or even different types of cancer.
Diagnostic Imaging at Northwest Imaging
The board-certified radiologists with Northwest Imaging utilize the latest imaging technology and have extensive experience performing a wide array of safe and accurate diagnostic tests. Contact us today for more information on the body imaging exams we perform at our many Montana radiology clinics.