Every time you visit the hospital when you are unwell, your care provider begins with performing a physical exam and taking histories before developing a diagnosis. However, in some situations, the information and data they acquire might not be clear, and additional tests might be required to help them develop an appropriate diagnosis. One of the common test requests is an x-ray to help visualize the concern and make a diagnosis. Suppose you have been asked to undergo an x-ray Chapel Hill to help your doctor come up with a diagnosis. It is helping you learn some of the uses of X-rays below.
Generally, x-rays are like gamma rays which are invisible and cannot even be heard. However, they effortlessly pass through your bone, skin, and metal to form images that are not visible to our naked eyes. Some of the common uses of x-rays are as follows:
Broken bone
Usually, x-rays have become an integral part of most contemporary medical centers and hospitals. One common use of x-rays is to capture pictures of various organs or parts of your body. During the procedure, the photographic film is often placed behind your body, and the x-ray is turned on. Each bone appears lighter when you imagine a bone to find out whether it is broken. From the imaging test results, your care provider can develop a diagnosis and effective treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Radiation therapy
X-rays are essential when fighting cancer because high-energy radiation is used to shrink cancer cells and kill them. Most cancer patients usually undergo external-beam radiation or outside-body treatment. They can also undergo treatment using radioactive material, usually inserted into the body very close to cancer cells. This form of treatment is referred to as brachytherapy or internal radiation therapy. Of importance to note is that radiation therapy can be dangerous, but approximately fifty percent of cancer patients receive this treatment.
Detects breast cancer
While testing for breast cancer, mammography is recommended, which involves using x-rays to screen for cancer cells in your breast. Mammograms are also used to detect any lumps in your breast, among other changes. Generally, during this procedure, your breast is often placed at a time between the two plates. The technician then presses the breasts to flatten them to get a clear image of them breasts. X-rays are then passed through your breast from the side and front.
Arthritis
x-rays can also detect any joint changes that might be suggestive of arthritis. A common procedure performed is arthrogram which involves the use of x-rays together with a special contrast dye. In most cases, the special dye is injected into your joint, and then the joint is visualized.
Brain injury
A computer tomography scan involves the use of x-rays to capture a series of images that can be used to detect a brain injury. It can also identify masses and visualize blood flow in your brain.
The current technology in medicine has improved the use of imaging tests in hospitals to help diagnose certain conditions. If you are interested in learning more about the uses and benefits of x-rays, you can call Carolina Urgent Care today for more information.
