i have to be examined by a radiologist...what all does that check for?

Answer 1

A radiologist doesn't examine you... they are "behind the scenes" - radiologists specialize in the interpretation of medical images such as MRIs, CT scans, radiographs, nuclear medicine scans, mammograms and sonograms. They are specially trained to identify injury and disease in each of the body's systems, whether bone, tissue, organs or blood vessels.

Answer 2

Since this question is under respiratory...I'll assume it was a chest xray. A chest x-ray is examined for a few things...obviously any abnormality. (1) heart size -an enlarged heart shows that a person has a long standing problem with blood pressure or pulmonary disease. (2) lung markings or thier absence-many respiratory and cardiac problems have specific patterns "the butterfly" = right sided heart failure...for example. Asthma looks bad during an attack but clears to normal after the attack. (3) lung masses- the presence of such would indicate a tumor or abnormal scar. (4) diaphram -the diaphram should be in a specific place in reference to your ribs. abdominal swelling can push up on the diaphram and cause respiratory and or cardiac problems. (5) Fluid levels in the chest...presence of a fluid line indicates an effusion.

All this and more go into reading an xray. it's just a test that gives the doctor a group of clues that go with your discription of the problem. This along with other tests like blood work, using a stethascope, and visual exam of you...all go into figuring out what the heck is wrong with you and what can the doc do to fix it. It also helps to determine if what the patient is complaining of is true or a fabrication. Many teenagers (girls) go into attention getting fits...complaining that they can't breath,they hyperventilate and complain of numbness and such and even pretend to pass out. I have seen it alot...it's sad that someone needs that kind of attention, but even though these tests take up time and don't seem important, they really do save lifes and money in the long run.

Answer 3

A radiologist reveiws x-rays and radiological studies. Have you have a radiological study done recently? i.e.-ct scan , x-ray, MRI? THis type of doctor reviews these studies and reports if there is an abonormality or if everything is negative. Usually one is referred to this person from another Dr. who has already performed or ordered the testing. Radiologists can also perform such things as breast biopsies.