Radiation in Medical Imaging

Running head: RADIOBIOLOGY
Radiation in medical imaging
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1RADIOBIOLOGY
Introduction- Medical imaging refers to the procedure and technique of generating
visual representations of the body interior, and is primarily used for clinical purpose such as,
medical interventions or body analysis. The process therefore helps in creating a visual
representation of the mechanism of a range of organs or tissues and seeks to explore the
internal body structures that are hidden by the bones or skin (Greenspan, Van Ginneken &
Summers, 2016). In addition the procedure also facilitates the establishment of a database
that comprises of normal physiology and anatomy for making it easy to recognize the
abnormalities. Some of the major forms of imaging modalities are radiography, nuclear
medicine, ultrasound, elastography, tomography, echocardiography, functional near-infrared
spectroscopy, and magnetic particle imaging (Shung, 2015). This essay will elaborate on the
use of radiation in medical imaging, and will discuss its potential advantages and adverse
effects (if any).
History of radiation in medical imaging- Ionising radiation are commonly used in
mammography, X-rays, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and CT scan procedures. The medical
imaging technique that commonly involves the use of gamma rays, X-rays or similar kind of
radiation for gaining a clear view of the internal parts of the organism is referred to as
radiography. The origin of radiography and fluoroscopy can be traced back to 1895 when the
X-rays were discovered by William Röntgen, besides acknowledgement of the fact that the
rays have the capability of passing through human tissues, excepting bone or metals
(Panchbhai, 2015). The medical use of X-rays were discovered by him when he generated a
picture of his spouse’s hand on photographic plates, by subjecting the hand to X-rays. This is
considered as the first ever image of a human body part using radiation. X-rays were also
used by John Hall-Edwards in 1896 for radiographic a needle stuck in a hand (Mould, 2018).
This was soon followed by use of the radiation in surgeries. Soon after the rays began to be
used for diagnostic purpose in the UK, followed by their use for treated the inured soldiers of

2RADIOBIOLOGY
World War I (Matthews & Sexton, 2015). Introduction of gamma rays in medicine helped in
gaining a sound understanding of the normal physiological processes. Several staff conducted
radiography techniques in hospitals, namely, physicists, nurses, physicians, photographers,
and engineers. Over the years the domain of radiology has advanced and has incorporated
several novel diagnostic techniques as well. Nonetheless, the widespread and uncontrolled
usage of X-rays often resulted in grave injuries. Often the damages were not accredited to X-
ray exposure, due to the measured onset of indications. However, the early signs of possible
adverse impacts of radiation in medical imaging was related with Edison, Morton, and Tesla
who reported signs or eye irritation during experimentation with fluorescent substances and
X-rays.
Advantages- There is mounting evidence for the benefits that use of radiation in
medical imaging poses to the patients and healthcare providers. It has been stated by
Baumann et al. (2016) stated that technical improvements and clinical investigation over the
past decades have offered radiation oncologists the competence to personalize treatments,
with the aim of precise administration of radiation dose, based on anatomical and clinical
parameters. Extermination of microscopic and gross tumours with conservation of health-
related quality of life (HRQoL) can be accomplished in numerous patients, by exposing them
to radiation for imaging. This was affirmed by Pereira, Traughber and Muzic (2014) who
stated that ionising radiation has undergone several changes for cancer treatment over the
past years and medical imaging advancement has facilitated the change process. CT scans
have proved imperative in treatment planning development and is the exclusive three-
dimensional medical imaging modality that is employed for dosage calculation. With
developing imaging techniques, the capability to visualize and illustrate tumors and their
metabolic profile, genetic markers, and active pathways, informs the clinicians regarding best
treatment options, thus benefiting a patient. Hence, use of radiation in medical imaging aids