X-Rays

One of the oldest forms of medical imaging in existence, for decades x-rays have assisted doctors in diagnosing illnesses and determining treatment options.  While x-rays are quite commonplace now, when x-ray technology was first invented, it was quite spectacular, allowing doctors to take pictures of the inside of your body. 

If your doctor suspects you may have mesothelioma, he may order x-rays of your lungs as a first step towards accurate diagnosis.  X-rays are safe for everyone and are particularly good for exploring the chest area of patients with lung-related diseases.  Lung cancer and mesothelioma can easily be identified through such x-rays and doctors can also determine if cancer has spread via the picture taken by an x-ray machine.  Cancer usually appears as a lighter color than normal tissue on a chest x-ray.

How do X-Rays Work?

Technically speaking, an x-ray machine produces a beam using a tube that is aimed at the part of the body to be examined.  A small and safe burst of radiation passes through the body and an image is recorded on film or on a special kind of plate. 

Preparing for an X-Ray

X-rays are easy and basically painless.  Most likely, you will be asked to stand, sit, or lie on a table (depending on the type of x-ray being taken) between the x-ray machine and the plate or film.  Your body will be positioned so that the radiologist (doctor specializing in x-ray imaging) can get the picture he/she needs.  The technologist will move into a shielded control booth to avoid exposure to radiation.  You’ll be asked to hold your breath during the x-ray so that your body doesn’t move.  Motion might cause blurring and, therefore, an inaccurate picture.  In a click or two, the process is complete.

Some x-rays require the use of a contrast dye, particularly for more complicated procedures, but chest x-rays are usually quite simple.

Results

X-rays are instantaneous so, if needed in a hurry, they can be viewed and an outcome determined.  In a non-emergency, a radiologist will read the x-rays and send the results to your doctor a few days later.

Are X-rays Dangerous?

X-rays produce a relatively low level of radiation so they’re not harmful to your body.  The good they do in helping diagnose diseases far outweighs any potential risks.  Pregnant women, however, should avoid x-rays and perhaps opt for another form of imaging.