X-rays are an important tool for medical imaging. The images they create allow doctors to see inside the body and diagnose conditions such as bone fractures, cancer, pneumonia and other abnormalities.
Using x-rays for diagnostic purposes is generally safe and the risk of injury or disease is very small. It’s also possible for a patient to become severely exposed to radiation, but this is extremely rare and can only happen in very extreme circumstances.
The X-ray procedure involves the placement of a patient between an x-ray source and anX-ray Toronto detector. When the machine is turned on, x-rays travel through the patient’s body and are absorbed by different tissues in different amounts. The amount of radiation absorbed depends on the density (the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus) of the tissue. Bone, for example, has a very high density and absorbs x-rays more easily than other tissues. This is why bones appear white on an x-ray image and less dense tissues, such as muscle and fat, are shown in shades of gray or black.
General diagnostic X-rays may be used to diagnose bone fractures, certain types of cancers, other tumors and abnormal masses, lung problems such as pneumonia, some kinds of injuries and dental or mouth disorders. These tests can also be used to detect other types of damage, such as foreign bodies and calcifications.
Chest X-rays are the most common form of x-rays for diagnostic imaging and are often performed as a screening test to determine if an individual is at risk of developing a heart problem or lung disease. They are also used to monitor the response of an individual to treatment or to determine if changes have occurred in an individual’s condition that could require a change in treatment.
Breast x-rays are also commonly used for diagnostic purposes and can be performed to detect tumors and other abnormalities in the breast. They can also be used to determine if there are any calcium deposits, called microcalcifications, which can indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Ultrasounds are another diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create a picture of internal structures and organs. They can be used to look for heart problems, swollen or damaged kidneys and bladders, and other organs. They can also be used to evaluate tendons and joints for arthritis.
DEXA scans, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, are tests that use a low dose of radiation to produce pictures of the bone. They are often used to diagnose osteoporosis and measure bone loss, and they can also be used to assess an individual’s risk of developing a broken bone or a fall.
Lung x-rays can be used to help physicians guide lung biopsies, or procedures that allow for the removal of tissue from the lungs. These images can be obtained with a new type of radiography system called tomosynthesis, which allows for better visualization and easier biopsy of lesions that are difficult to see by other methods.