About Radiology

Radiology is a specialized area of medicine based on the science of diagnosis and treatment of disease using various imaging modalities.  This field of medicine has evolved rapidly through advances in technologies since first being discovered in 1895.  Radiologists are physicians who have trained extensively in this area of medicine. The Radiologists at Kent Radiology, P.C., are highly trained in the field and offer proven experience in the latest techologies. They are Board Certified through the American Board of Radiology.

Your physician will request our Radiologists to provide radiologic, therapeutic or interventional services to you because of our collective expertise to ensure that you are receiving quality care.

Your Visit

Our Radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions you may have during your visit.  Generally, final results of your exam are not available the same day.  Kent Radiology makes every effort to deliver final results to the ordering physician as soon as a full review of all your images is completed. Your physician will then meet with you to discuss the findings and any necessary treatments.

Radiology includes the following types of imaging modalities:

  • X-ray uses low doses of radiation to expose film or digital images.  This modality would be used if your physician requested a chest x-ray.
  • Fluoroscopy uses continuous low dose x-rays to capture internal organs in real time on a video monitor.  An example of a test using this modality is a request by your physician to have your small bowel or gastrointestinal tract examined.
  • Ultrasound, also known as sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves that can be bounced off of tissues and converted into a picture.  This procedure allows the radiologist to see soft tissues and body cavities. A common use of this study is to evaluate the development of the baby during pregnancy.
  • Mammography allows a radiologist to study the breast using low-dose x-ray to produce different x-ray views of the breast for screening or diagnostic study.  This modality has been an important tool in breast cancer detection.  The American Cancer Society encourages every woman over the age of 40 to have a screening mammogram performed.  This, together with personal examinations, can help provide early detection of cancer.  See additional guidelines drafted by the American Cancer Society.  
  • CT scan is a type of x-ray procedure that uses advanced computer technology to create cross-sectional views of organs and structures of the body. Pictures are created from very fine x-ray slices using tomography which is captured in sections at different levels of the body structure. The radiologist interprets the pictures and reports any abnormalities.  A physician may request this exam if there has been trauma to the head or there are signs and symptoms that suggest a tumor. It is also a common procedure for evaluating the bone structures of the spine, abdomen and chest.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI, is a radiology exam that uses computer technology, radio waves and magnetism and sometimes contrast material. The MRI produces detailed images that can provide information that other modalities cannot detect. An emergency room physician would request this exam if he/she suspected a patient was having a stroke.  An orthopedic physician may request this exam to evaluate the surrounding area of the knee joint for tears, disease and other abnormalities.
  • Nuclear Medicine uses safe amounts of radioactive substances, called isotopes, and a gamma camera for scanning the isotope activity and recording the radiation emitted electronically to diagnose disease. Your physician may request this type of exam if you are having problems with your thyroid functioning properly.
  • Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology requiring additional training. Interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive treatments to diagnose or treat various conditions. These procedures generally require the use of radiological techniques for image guidance and placement of a needle, catheter or wire into the patient.  These interventions have less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery, and have reduced and/or eliminated the need for surgery for many patients.  Possible procedures may include dialysis or other vascular access, angiograms, cancer treatments, biopsies, and injections for pain management. More information can be found at www.sirweb.org.