X-ray

X-ray is one of the most common, affordable and simple methods of noninvasive diagnosis of various disorders, based on the use of X-rays. If the measures to limit exposure are observed, this method does not pose a danger to the patient. After receiving the image, the doctor sees the inside of the organ, and the higher its density, the lighter the image will be, so the condition of the bones, the presence of calcifications and the accumulation of fluid are clearly visible in the pictures.

The study can be carried out both in a wide area, in a certain area (survey radiography), and for a specific organ that causes discomfort in the patient (targeted radiography). For example:

• chest X-ray is an overview procedure that allows to detect changes in both lung tissue (pneumonia, abscesses, neoplasms) and bones (fractures, osteoporosis, curvature of the spine);
• mammography is a recommended study for women after 40 years in order to prevent breast cancer;
• X-ray of the abdominal cavity is also a review procedure that allows you to assess the volume of gases in the intestine, differentiate colonic obstruction from small intestine, detect foreign objects.

Advantages and disadvantages

X-ray has quite a lot of advantages compared to other diagnostic methods:

• prevalence and availability – X-rays can be performed even in conditions where there is often no computer or magnetic resonance imaging;
• painlessness;
• high speed – only a few shots are taken;
• relative affordability;
• lack of necessary training.
• However, the procedure has several drawbacks:
• low information content compared to CT or MRI examination;
• negative effects of X-rays - one examination will not do any harm, but it is important to carefully monitor the limitation of exposure;
• does not allow to study the work of the organ in real time;
• part of the organs will be "closed" by denser and lighter bone structures or dark spots of air (gases in the intestines, gas bubble of the stomach).