An ultrasound also known as a sonogram uses high frequency sound waves to come up with the images. Ultrasounds are usually carried out on soft tissues, and it is not unlikely to find people getting elbow ultrasounds after an injury to the elbow. The lack of use of ionizing radiation in the creation of images makes ultrasounds to be relatively safe. The images created from an ultrasound are quite dependent on the skills of the ultrasonographer; therefore, it is advisable to seek the services of a qualified ultrasonographer for an ultrasound.
X-Rays are the oldest imaging technology that has been useful for a very long time. In order to capture the image, X-Ray equipment use a photographic film. When one goes for an X-Ray, the part of the body that needs to be X-Rayed is put on the X-Ray machine after which electromagnetic waves are sent through the body. Dense tissue absorbs more rays as compared to soft tissue leading to dense areas like the bone appearing lighter as compared to the soft tissue. X-Rays are usually not harmful, but if someone is pregnant, there is a need for caution. Learn more about MRI Scanning.
Mammograms are a special type of X-Ray that screen and give a diagnosis on breast cancer. There are two types of mammograms; there is the diagnostic mammogram that is a thorough X-Ray involving multiple views and the screening mammogram that is useful in screening for breast cancer in the early stages.
CT scans also known as computerized axial tomography use X-Rays with computing algorithms to take the image of the body of a patient. Incorporating the computer aspect while taking CT scans enables the physician to blow up the image to have a clear idea of the exact problem with a certain part of the body. This feature has made them better than X-Rays. CT scans have been very useful since the 1970s in locating cancer. Check out More on Ultrasounds.
MRI scanning is the other useful imaging technology. MRI in Australia has been in existence for some time, and it makes use of strong magnetic fields to take an image of the body of the patient. MRI is useful in examining soft tissue like the pancreas, heart, liver, male and female reproductive organs. You can also find physicians using MRI to assess the blood flow of a patient and even tumors. The MRI images are very important in enabling a doctor to determine if radiation or surgery is the best treatment for cancer of different parts of the body.