Most people use the term “X-ray” to mean a plain radiograph (plain film), or just one image. But X-rays are also the type of radiation that imaging machines use to create pictures. X-ray radiation is also used in other types of medical imaging, like CT scans, to get many images that are interpreted by a computer to form 3D pictures. This piece will focus on plain X-rays.
Your provider may order an X-ray to:
- Check for a broken bone (fracture).
- Identify the cause of symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
- Look for signs of infection in your lungs.
- Look for foreign objects in your body.
- Look for structural problems in your bones, joints or soft tissues.
- Plan and evaluate treatments.
Checkout all the different types of X- Ray's
More information about Tests
Issues that can show up on X-rays include: Broken bones, Bone changes or abnormalities, Infections, Tumors and more..
X-rays can show cancer, but it’s not the primary way that providers look for or diagnose most cancers. This is because tumors in your organs can be small or hidden behind other structures in your body (like your ribs in the case of a chest X-ray) or blend in with normal tissues.
Most of the time, there aren’t any restrictions on what you can do after an X-ray. If you received contrast medium, your provider might give you special instructions, like drinking plenty of water afterwards.
While the amount of radiation exposure to an adult during an X-ray isn’t usually harmful, it can harm a fetus. If you’re pregnant, your provider may choose another imaging study, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound.