CAT Scans, X-Rays Research Paper

What are the benefits, issues, and differences between CAT scans, X-rays, and MRIs? The discovery and research of radioactive isotopes and radiation had a major impact on the creation of more elements and the grand advances in the science and medical fields. Of these advancements some of the most prominent uses of these technological advancements is the use of CAT scans, X-rays and MRI. Which are all used to get a better look at the insides of the human body, and to further diagnose serious problems, and reduce recovery times on surgeries. The X-ray is one of the most common use types of radiation used in the medical field, and with good reason as it is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get detailed information about heavy segments of the body such as the bones and teeth. The X-ray allows for minimal exposure to radiation compared to other methods of medical imaging such as CAT scans. They also have no remanence after the X-ray is taken, unlike other imaging such as using tracer radioisotopes which are constantly releasing radiation until the half life is completed. Some of the downfalls of using X-rays include that it is only useful for examining things with a large comparative mass in the body such as teeth and bones, as everything else such as skin, tissue and muscles appear translucent and give contrast to the image. The CT or CAT scan are similar to X-rays in which they take and image of the body based on the contrasting masses. However, unlike the X-ray the CT scan takes a large amount of images and then with the assistance of computers, they are pieced together to generate a 3D image or a cross section of a body part. These renders allow for the doctor to give patients the correct treatment as they get a prognosis of the patient’s entire body and can see which areas are seriously damaged. These images also are used prior to certain surgeries, in which the damage could not be identified by other means, but with the CT scan they are able to make smaller incisions so recovery time is much faster. Another reason why CAT scans are so useful is they also provide detailed images of bones and blood vessels which the X-ray could not. Some of the downfalls of this type …show more content…
One of the main reasons MRI scans can be so common is that they do not use radiation unlike many other forms of medical imaging, these means it can be used for all ages with no threat of being exposed to radiation. The MRI scans are relatively painless, and they also show unique information other methods are unable to find. However, like all the other methods mentions this isn’t one fits all method, and has some problems such as that you are unable to have anything that can be effected by a magnetic field with you such as any metals, hearing aids, watches or pacemakers. Also, the MRI needs the inclusion of contrasting fluids which better depicts areas with initially low contrast, resulting in a more detailed image. One of the biggest problems is that, in order to have a successful MRI you must be comfortable with being in an enclosed space for upwards or 20 minutes, and staying very still as even minor movements can cause the image to be