Check-ups, Medical Imaging and Procedures
Health check-ups and medical imaging techniques are essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Here is what you need to know about these processes:

1. What is a check-up?

   • A check-up is a comprehensive health screening performed without any symptoms or complaints to assess a person's general health status.

2. Check-up Contents

   • Check-up programs may vary depending on age, gender, health status and risk factors. In general, the following tests and assessments are performed

     • Blood tests (complete blood count, biochemistry panel, liver function tests, kidney function tests, hormone tests)

     • Urinalysis

     • Blood pressure measurement

     • ECG (Electrocardiogram)

     • Chest radiography

     • Eye, ear, nose and throat examination

     • Radiological imaging (ultrasonography, mammography, bone density measurement)

     • Other special tests (gender and age-specific tests, e.g. PSA test, breast ultrasound)

3. What is Medical Imaging?

   • Medical imaging encompasses a range of technologies used to obtain detailed images of organs and tissues within the body. These methods are critical for disease diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up.

4. Medical Imaging Techniques

   • X-ray: Uses X-rays to visualize bones and some internal organs.

   • Ultrasonography: It allows internal organs to be visualized using sound waves. It is used in many areas such as pregnancy, liver, kidneys, thyroid gland.

   • Computed Tomography (CT): Obtains cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays. It is used for detailed examination of the brain, lungs, abdomen and other organs.

   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Creates detailed cross-sections of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. Commonly used for imaging of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues.

   • Mammography: Uses low doses of X-rays to examine breast tissue. It is important in the early detection of breast cancer.

   • Bone Densitometry: Detects bone diseases such as osteoporosis by measuring bone density.

   • PET/CT: Combines metabolic and anatomical information using a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). It is used in cancer diagnosis and follow-up.

5. Medical Procedures

   • Endoscopy: A method used to examine the digestive system, respiratory tract and other body cavities. There are types such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

   • Colonoscopy: An endoscopic procedure used to examine the lining of the large intestine and take a biopsy.

   • Bronchoscopy: An endoscopic procedure used to examine the respiratory tract and lungs.

   • Biopsy: The process of taking abnormal tissue samples from the body and examining them in a laboratory environment. It is used to diagnose cancer and other diseases.

   • Angiography: A method used to visualize the internal structure of blood vessels. It is used to diagnose coronary artery diseases and other vascular diseases.

   • Nuclear Medicine Imaging: It provides functional information of organs and tissues by injecting radioactive substances into the body and visualizing the radiation emitted by these substances.

6. Check-up and Medical Imaging Benefits

   • Early Diagnosis: It enables early detection of diseases, which increases the success of treatment.

   • Health Monitoring: Provides information about a person's general health status and helps identify health risks.

   • Treatment Planning: Determines the most appropriate treatment method according to the type and stage of the disease.

   • Patient Safety: Routine health checks and imaging allow patients to closely monitor their health status and provide rapid intervention when necessary.

7. Things to Consider Before Check-up and Medical Imaging

   • Fasting Status: Fasting may be required for blood tests and some imaging techniques.

   • Clothing and Accessories: Comfortable, non-metallic clothing and jewelry may need to be removed.

   • Previous Medications: Take your doctor's recommended medications on time and consult your doctor before making any changes.

8. Care after Check-up and Medical Imaging

   • Evaluation of Results: Share and evaluate your test and imaging results with your doctor.

   • Follow-up and Controls: Go to your follow-up and follow-up appointments at the intervals recommended by your doctor.

   • Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep.

Check-ups and medical imaging are vital for maintaining your health and detecting possible diseases early. With regular check-ups and appropriate treatment methods, it is possible to lead a healthy life.