What is the difference between a diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic procedure?

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic procedures serve distinct purposes within the field of medicine. The correct distinction is that diagnostic procedures are specifically designed to identify and assess diseases or medical conditions within the body. They involve imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to visualize structures and detect abnormalities, helping clinicians make informed diagnoses.

Therapeutic procedures, on the other hand, are utilized to treat existing medical conditions or diseases. These can include interventions like radiotherapy for cancer treatment, where radiation is employed to eliminate cancerous cells or shrink tumors. This clear division in purpose highlights the main difference: diagnostic procedures focus on detection, while therapeutic procedures focus on treatment.

Understanding this differentiation is crucial for medical professionals and technicians, as it influences the approach to patient care, the technologies utilized, and the outcome expectations for both diagnostic assessments and treatment interventions.