Radiologists often use X-ray technology to take pictures of the organs inside your body. Your doctor will have ordered that X-rays be taken of a certain area of your body so they can evaluate a particular health issue.
This is the most commonly used form of imaging for diagnostic purposes. Without seeing images of the organs and/or tissues in question, your doctor will likely not be able to confidently diagnose your condition and plan your treatment.
An X-ray can detect broken bones, tumors, and even an object that is lodged inside the body. (Radiologists and technicians have found the strangest objects inside human bodies.)
Any part of the body can get an X-ray: head, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Your X-rays will allow your doctor to identify any irregularities that may be causing your symptoms.
What Does an X-ray Show?
Your doctor will order an X-ray to examine areas of pain, trauma, or disease. Some examples of things that can be detected by an X-ray include:
- Cancers and tumors
- An enlarged heart
- Blood vessel blockages
- Fluid in lungs
- Digestive problems
- Bone fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Infections
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Tooth decay
- Foreign objects swallowed or lodged in the body
When studying your X-ray scans, your doctor will consider many things – which can include your symptoms, age, weight, and possibly also your family history.
What Is It Like to Get an X-ray?
The procedure of getting an X-ray is quick and painless. There are no special instructions for patients and no preparation, other than having to remove metal jewelry beforehand.
The technician will position you for the X-ray, such as standing up for a lung image or lying down for an apparent broken leg. They will also place very thick fabric-based lead shields in one or more areas so that those areas are not captured in the X-ray picture.
What an X-ray Cannot Detect
While X-rays show irregularities, they are very limited in what they are able to display. For example, muscles and ligaments do not show up very well on an X-ray scan. However, this diagnostic tool is often the first imaging procedure recommended to patients who are complaining about pain, because the doctor will want to first quickly rule out a tumor or fracture.
If the X-ray is inconclusive, you will warrant further tests. Your doctor may recommend a CT scan, endoscopy, or MRI, which all take longer than an X-ray does and are much more involved.
X-Ray Services in Palm Beach County
At Independent Imaging, we provide advanced digital X-ray services to patients across Palm Beach County. Our team of radiologists and technicians use only the most innovative GE digital flat-panel detector technology for state-of-the-art image processing. The resulting images are high-quality and highly detailed to aid in your doctor’s diagnosis.
For over 30 years, our goal has been to put our patients first. Your comfort is of utmost importance to us, which is why we see to it that you have a positive experience in our imaging center. The atmosphere in our facilities is calm and relaxing.
We offer X-ray services in all of our ACR-accredited facilities in Wellington, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, and Royal Palm Beach. In addition, we accept walk-ins! There’s no need to make an appointment, you are welcome any time we are open.
If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us today at (561) 795-5558 or request an appointment online now. Our friendly staff welcomes your call!
