Overview
Radiology is the branch of medicine that creates and interprets images of the inside of the body. It helps healthcare teams look for broken bones, lung disease, stroke, tumors, bleeding, pregnancy-related concerns, and many other conditions. Different types of imaging are used for different questions, and the choice depends on the body part and the reason for the test.
Who Is Affected
People of all ages may need radiology services, from newborns to older adults. Imaging may be used in routine screening, emergency care, long-term disease monitoring, and treatment planning. Pregnant people, children, and people with kidney problems or implanted devices may need special planning for certain tests.
Prevention
Radiology itself is not something to prevent, but patients and healthcare teams can reduce avoidable risks. This includes using imaging only when it is medically needed, choosing tests without radiation when appropriate, and keeping a record of past scans. Let the imaging team know if you are or might be pregnant, have allergies to contrast material, have kidney disease, or have metal implants or devices.
Diagnosis and Tests
Common imaging tests include X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. X-rays and CT use ionizing radiation, while ultrasound uses sound waves and MRI uses magnets and radio waves. Some scans use contrast material to make certain body parts easier to see. A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the healthcare professional who requested the test.
Treatment Categories
Radiology can support treatment in several ways. Diagnostic radiology helps identify what may be causing symptoms, while interventional radiology uses imaging guidance to perform certain minimally invasive procedures, such as draining fluid or guiding a biopsy. Imaging is also used to monitor how a condition is changing over time or how a treatment is working.
Living With It
If you need repeated imaging for an ongoing condition, it can help to keep a list of your past scans and where they were done. Ask what the test is for, how to prepare, and when you can expect results. If you feel anxious about enclosed spaces, noise, needles, or radiation, tell the imaging staff before the test so they can explain what to expect.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if a healthcare professional recommends imaging because of new symptoms such as severe pain, trouble breathing, injury, unexplained swelling, or ongoing fever. Also contact a healthcare professional if you had contrast during a test and later develop concerning symptoms such as rash, vomiting, or trouble breathing. If you are unsure why a scan was ordered, ask for a clear explanation.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency imaging may be needed for symptoms such as chest pain, signs of stroke, major injury, sudden severe headache, or heavy bleeding. After an imaging test, emergency help may be needed right away for severe allergic-type symptoms such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or fainting. Follow local emergency guidance and seek urgent help if these happen.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask: Why is this imaging test needed, and are there other options? Does it use radiation or contrast material, and what are the possible risks? How should I prepare, how long will it take, and when will I get the results? If I am pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or have an implanted device, does that change the plan?