Learn About Radiologists: Conditions They Diagnose and When to see one?
A radiologist is a medical professional who has been trained to diagnose injuries and diseases with the use of x-rays. Radiologists can diagnose a variety of different diseases and injuries. They can also determine the severity of the problem through imaging scans.
How does a doctor become a Radiologist?
To become a radiologist, a person must first graduate from an accredited undergraduate program. Next, they must attend medical school for at least four years. Once they have finished medical school, they must complete a residency program at a hospital. During the residency program, the doctor will work under the watchful eye of an experienced radiologist and learn through real experience. Most radiologists go on to become certified, and some choose to pursue further education in a specialty.
What types of diseases do Radiologists diagnose?
Radiologists can diagnose a variety of different types of illnesses and injuries. They have the ability to use technology to look inside the body so they can see abnormalities. They can also determine if a surgery has worked to correct a problem and decide what other procedures or treatments may be best for certain injuries or illnesses. Some of the most common problems they diagnose include:
- Aortic aneurysms
- Uterine fibroids
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Prostate cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Broken bones
- Spine injuries
- Cysts
- Cancer
What type of diagnostic tests are ordered by Radiologists?
In most cases, radiologists are the ones doing the diagnostic testing. Some of the common tests they perform include:
What are the different types of Radiologists?
There are a few different types of radiologists. They each specialize in different areas and have experience with different tests, diseases, illnesses, and injuries. The three different types include:
- Diagnostic radiologists
- Interventional radiologists
- Radiation oncologists
How do Radiologists treat diseases?
Radiologists don’t treat diseases, but they do help diagnose them and help other doctors and specialists choose the right treatment. They perform x-rays and other scans to determine what illnesses or diseases the patient is suffering from and how severe the problem is. They go over the results of the tests with the patient’s doctor and other specialists and work with them to determine the best possible treatment.
Radiologists also perform tests after surgeries and other procedures to see if they work and to determine if any other treatments are necessary.
When to see a Radiologist?
In most cases, patients do not need to know when to go to a radiologist because they are referred by a doctor. Some of the common reasons that a person might see a radiologist or be referred to one include:
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Chronic cough
- Stomach pain
- Digestive issues
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Cancer diagnosis and radiation treatment
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary tract issues
- Neck pain
- Back injuries
- Car accident
- Sports injury
- Slip and fall accident
- Arm pain
- Hip pain
- Dental problems
- Chronic nausea
- Breathing problems
