KUALA LUMPUR: Often seen as the ‘silent guardian’ of modern medicine, radiology plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in every aspect of patient care, from the early detection, diagnosis of diseases to treatment planning and ongoing management. Consultant Radiologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) Dr. Adam Pany Abdullah said a radiologist is a physician trained to examine the body’s internal structures using imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and nuclear scans.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Adam explained that these methods allow radiologists to detect abnormalities and offer insights not visible through other diagnostic tools. He emphasized that radiology is not just about interpreting images; it also acts as a roadmap for the entire medical team, guiding them in selecting the most effective treatment options for patients.
Dr. Adam stated that the radiology department’s work begins with early diagnosis, particularly in detecting cancers and identifying inf
ections before they progress to advanced stages. He noted that patients often feel anxious when they don’t fully understand their condition but become more receptive to treatment when shown scan results and given explanations of the findings.
Dr. Adam highlighted that by visually seeing the issue with precise measurements, patients gain a clearer understanding, fostering trust in the proposed treatment plan. Follow-up scans provide reassurance by showing how well their recovery is progressing. Advanced radiological technology is pivotal throughout the healthcare journey, from early detection to intervention and ongoing monitoring.
He further explained that the primary goal of radiology is disease prevention, enabling healthcare professionals to detect conditions before they fully develop or become severe. Early detection allows for less invasive treatments, such as medication or physiotherapy, which could prevent the need for major surgeries.
Dr. Adam highlighted that in the last decade, radiology has witn
essed significant technological advancements, particularly in image resolution and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered algorithms now achieve unprecedented accuracy, detecting millimetre-level details with MRIs and CT scans, compared to the centimetre resolution that was standard a decade ago.
These advancements in radiology enable critical insights about cancer, such as identifying the cancer type, pinpointing the tumour’s exact location and size, deciding if surgery is necessary, and developing the most effective treatment plan. As a neuroradiologist specialising in imaging the central nervous system, Dr. Adam also performs interventional procedures, particularly for stroke patients.
At SMC, patients benefit from a collaborative approach where a radiologist works alongside specialists to review scan results, discuss diagnoses, and plan treatment. The Radiology Department at SMC provides clinical services in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, ultrasound, and cross-secti
onal imaging with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including Digital CT scanners and four units of the advanced 3 Tesla MRI.