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When thinking about an x-ray, most people are under the assumption that a doctor uses x-rays primarily to check for broken bones, or a dentist uses it to look for dental problems such as impacted wisdom teeth. all good ways your doctor may use an x-ray, but there are many more things a doctor can use an x-ray to diagnose or check for the progression of certain diseases.

An X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to make images of your bones, teeth and internal organs. It is because of the use of radiation that lead aprons are placed on those parts not being x-rayed, especially in the case of woman who may be or may become pregnant.

The use of x-rays is one of the oldest forms of medical imaging. A well taken and well interpreted x-ray can help your doctor in diagnosis and treat a wide variety of problems, especially in even in emergency situations. In the hands of a competent doctor, an x-ray can assist in spotting conditions ranging from broken bones to pneumonia and even cancer.

One use of X-ray in diagnosing cancer is to see whether you have lung cancer or whether cancer from another part of the body has spread to the lungs. Much cancerous growths appear lighter in color on X-ray films than normal, healthy lung tissue.

Your doctor may order you have an x-ray to check on any number of conditions. Of course with an x-ray it is easy to determine whether a bone is chipped, dislocated or broken. But did you know your doctor can also use an x-ray to evaluate joint injuries and bone infections?

Many degenerative conditions, such as arthritis and the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis can also be tracked using x-rays.

Screening for lung and heart diseases, identifying and treating blocked arteries, as well as diagnosing the cause of persistent coughs and chest pain, may all be other valid reasons for an X-ray.

Diagnose the cause of persistent coughing or chest pain and the list goes on!

The next time your doctor insists on 'just an x-ray, be grateful, it could save your life!

* resources used: Mayo Clinic.Com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/x-ray/FL00064

Learn more about this author, Debra Cornelius.
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