From basic X-rays to more complex procedures including MRIs, radiologists play an important role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. If you think you might need to see a radiologist in Richmond, VA, here are four reasons that might be the case.
1. You’ve Been Injured in an Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s a car accident or something else, one of the first places you’ll likely be sent for treatment is the radiology department. That’s because X-rays and other imaging tests can be incredibly helpful in diagnosing broken bones and other injuries.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to have multiple imaging tests done over the course of your treatment.
2. You’re Experiencing Unexplained Pain
If you’re experiencing unexplained pain, whether it’s back pain, abdominal pain, or something else, your doctor at VIVA Richmond may order imaging tests to try to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. In some cases, the cause of the pain will be readily apparent in the images. In other cases, the images will simply rule out certain possibilities so that your doctor can focus on others.
3. You Have a History of Cancer
If you or someone in your family has a history of cancer, you may be at an increased risk of developing the disease yourself, so visiting a radiologist in Richmond, VA, is essential. As such, your doctor may want to order regular imaging tests, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, to look for early signs of cancer.
Catching cancer early is critical to successful treatment, so don’t skip out on these important tests just because they make you a little uncomfortable.
4. You’re Pregnant
One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is getting to see ultrasound images of your growing baby. However, ultrasounds aren’t just for show, they can also be used to diagnose potential problems with both mother and child. If there are concerns about your pregnancy for any reason, your doctor will likely order an ultrasound so that they can get a better look at what’s going on.