Can x-rays show tumors? Discover the role of x-rays and other radiographic tests in cancer detection. Explore the different types of contrast studies, how they work, and how to prepare for them.

The Power of X-Rays: Uncovering Cancer in the Body

X-rays and other radiographic tests, also known as radiographs, roentgenograms, and contrast studies, play a crucial role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer. These imaging techniques allow doctors to visualize various parts of the body, including bones, organs like the stomach and kidneys, and even soft tissues, in order to identify any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Understanding X-Ray Technology: How It Works

X-rays work by using a controlled beam of radiation that passes through the body. The tissues in the body absorb or block this radiation to varying degrees, depending on their density. Dense tissues, such as bones, block most of the radiation, while soft tissues like fat or muscle block less. The radiation that passes through the body is then captured on a piece of film or a special detector, creating a shadow-like image that can be analyzed by medical professionals.

Contrast Studies: Enhancing Visibility for Better Diagnosis

In addition to standard x-rays, there are also special types of x-ray tests called contrast studies. These tests use iodine-based dyes or contrast materials, such as barium, to enhance the visibility of certain organs and structures on the x-ray. For example, a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, also known as a barium enema exam, takes x-ray pictures after the bowel is filled with barium sulfate, making it easier to see the colon and rectum.

Common Contrast Studies and Their Uses

There are several different types of contrast studies that can be used to examine various parts of the body. These include:

• Angiography/Angiogram: Used to examine the arteries throughout the body, including those in the brain, lungs, and kidneys.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): Used to study the structure and function of the urinary system, including the ureters, bladder, and kidneys.
• Lower GI Series/Barium Enema: Used to examine the colon and rectum.
• Upper GI Series/Barium Swallow: Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
• Venography/Venogram: Used to examine the veins throughout the body, most often in the leg.

Preparing for X-Ray and Contrast Studies

The preparation required for x-ray and contrast studies can vary depending on the specific test. In general, no special preparation is needed for a standard x-ray, other than removing any metal objects that might interfere with the image. For contrast studies, however, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking certain things before the test, or to take other steps to prepare. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the radiology center or your healthcare provider.

Advances in Radiographic Imaging: Replacing Older Techniques

Over time, technological advancements have led to the development of newer imaging techniques that are often used in place of some traditional contrast studies. For example, CT and MRI scans have become the preferred methods for learning the stage or extent of cancer, rather than the previously used angiography. However, angiography may still be used in certain situations, such as to show the blood vessels next to a cancer so that surgery can be planned to limit blood loss.

The Role of X-Rays and Radiographic Tests in Cancer Detection

X-rays and other radiographic tests are crucial tools in the detection and diagnosis of cancer. They allow doctors to visualize the body’s structures and identify any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of a tumor or other cancerous growths. While x-rays are particularly effective at detecting bone problems, other imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans can provide even more detailed information about soft tissues and organs.

By understanding the different types of radiographic tests, how they work, and how to prepare for them, patients can be better informed and empowered to play an active role in their own healthcare. Whether it’s a standard x-ray or a more advanced contrast study, these imaging techniques can provide valuable insights that help doctors diagnose and treat cancer effectively.

X-rays and Other Radiographic Tests for Cancer

X-rays and other radiographic tests (also known as radiographs, roentgenograms, and contrast studies) help doctors look for cancer in different parts of the body including bones, and organs like the stomach and kidneys. X-rays are typically fast, painless, and there’s no special preparation needed. Contrast studies may require more preparation ahead of time and may cause some discomfort and side effects, depending on what kind you are having. (For names of contrast studies, see Table 1.)

What do x-rays show?

Radiographs, most often called x-rays, produce shadow-like images of bones and certain organs and tissues. X-rays are very good at finding bone problems. They can show some organs and soft tissues, but MRI and CT scans often give better pictures of them. Still, x-rays are fast, easy to get, and cost less than other scans, so they might be used to get information quickly.

Mammograms (breast x-rays) are a form of radiographic tests. To learn more about them, see Mammogram Basics.

Special types of x-ray tests called contrast studies use iodine-based dyes or contrast materials, like barium, along with the x-rays to make the organs show up on the x-ray and get better pictures. For instance, a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, often called a barium enema exam, takes x-ray pictures after the bowel is filled with barium sulfate. Another contrast study, an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), uses a special dye to look at the structure and function of the urinary system (ureters, bladder, and kidneys). See Table 1 for more examples.

Due to advances in technology, many contrast studies are being replaced by other scans, such as CT or MRI scans. For instance, in the past, angiography was often used to help learn the stage or extent of cancer, but now CT and MRI scans are most often used to do this. Still, angiography is sometimes used to show the blood vessels next to a cancer so surgery can be planned to limit blood loss. And angiograms may be used to diagnose non-cancerous blood vessel diseases.

How do x-rays work?

A special tube inside the x-ray machine sends out a controlled beam of radiation. Tissues in the body absorb or block the radiation to varying degrees. Dense tissues such as bones block most radiation, but soft tissues, like fat or muscle, block less. After passing through the body, the beam hits a piece of film or a special detector. Tissues that block high amounts of radiation, such as bone, show up as white areas on a black background. Soft tissues block less radiation and show up in shades of gray. Organs that are mostly air (such as the lungs) normally look black. Tumors are usually denser than the tissue around them, so they often show up as lighter shades of gray.

Contrast studies provide some information that standard x-rays cannot. During a contrast study, you get a contrast material that outlines, highlights, or fills in parts of the body so that they show up more clearly on an x-ray. The contrast material may be given by mouth, as an enema, as an injection (put in a vein), or through a catheter (thin tube) put into various tissues of the body. It will look bright white on the x-ray and outline the body part. For most of these tests, the images can be captured either on x-ray film or by a computer.

Table 1: Commonly Used Contrast Studies

How do I get ready for x-ray(s)?

Other than removing metal objects that might interfere with the picture, no special preparation is needed before having a standard x-ray.

Preparation for a contrast study depends on the test. You may be asked not to eat anything or to prepare in other ways before the test (see the next section). The radiology center will give you instructions. Check with them first. Your health care provider also might give you instructions.

Always be sure to tell your health care provider whether you have allergies to iodine or have had problems with contrast materials in the past.

What is it like having x-rays(s)?

Standard x-rays

Usually x-rays are taken by an x-ray technologist. You will undress to expose the part of the body to be x-rayed. You’ll need to remove jewelry or other objects that might interfere with the image. You may be given a gown or drape to wear. You’ll be asked to sit, stand, or lie down, depending the body part to be x-rayed. Your body is put against a flat box or table that holds the x-ray film. The technologist then moves the machine to aim the beam of radiation at the right area.

You may have special shields put over parts of your body near the area being x-rayed so that they’re not exposed to the radiation. Usually the technologist leaves the room to operate the machine by remote control. But they can hear and see you at all times. Your exposure to the x-ray is very brief – usually less than a second. You may hear buzzing or clicking sounds while the machine is working.

For a chest x-ray, often 2 views are taken. First, you stand with your chest against the x-ray film and the image is taken from the back. Your arms are at your side. Then a side view is often taken with your arms either above your head or in front of you. The technologist will tell you when to take a deep breath and hold still. For a chest x-ray in people who can’t stand, the film is put under them and the picture is taken from the front.

During an abdominal (belly) x-ray, you lie down on a table. You may be asked to change position or sit up if more than one view is needed. You’ll need to hold your breath and lie still while the picture is taken quickly.

After the x-ray, the technologist will come back to the room to move the machine out of the way, remove any protective shields, collect the film, and help you back to the changing room where you can get dressed.

Contrast studies

Angiography: You’ll be asked to not eat before this test. In most cases, you’ll be given medicine to relax you before the test starts. You will lie still on a table as the skin over the injection site is cleaned and numbed. A tiny cut will be made so the catheter (thin plastic tube) can be put into a blood vessel (usually the artery at the top of the thigh) and slid in until it reaches the area to be studied. The contrast dye is then put in, and a series of x-ray pictures is taken to see how the dye flows through the blood vessels. After that, the catheter is taken out.

Firm pressure might be needed on the catheter site for a while to make sure it doesn’t bleed. You’ll also need to lie flat and keep your leg still for up to several hours. This helps prevent bleeding at the catheter site, too.

Other types of angiography: Advances in technology have led to other forms of angiography that take less time and mean fewer risks than x-ray angiography. CT angiography takes pictures of blood vessels using a CT scanner instead of a standard x-ray machine. The contrast dye can be put into a small vein in the arm instead of having to put a catheter into a major blood vessel. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an MRI study of the blood vessels. It may be done with or without contrast dye, and is also quicker than a standard x-ray angiogram.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): You’ll probably be asked not to eat or drink anything for about 12 hours before this test, and you must take laxatives to clean out your bowel. For the test itself, you lie on a table for a series of x-rays. Contrast dye is then out into a vein in your arm. Your kidneys remove the dye from the bloodstream, and it goes into the urinary tract. Another series of x-rays is taken over the next 30 minutes or so to get pictures of the dye as it moves through the kidneys and out of your body. Pressure may be applied to the belly to help make the image clearer. Once the dye has reached the bladder, you’ll be asked to pass urine while another x-ray is taken.

Lower GI series (barium enema): Your diet may be restricted for a few days before this test. Laxatives and/or enemas are used to clean out the bowel (large intestine). For the test, you lie down and are strapped to a table. A series of x-rays is taken. Then liquid barium is put into your bowel through a small, soft tube placed in your rectum. The liquid feels cool. More images are then taken while the table tilts you into different positions. This helps the barium move through your bowels so they can be seen on the x-rays. You have to lie still and hold your breath as each image is taken.

After the test, you can go to the toilet to pass the barium solution out of your bowels. (It may take a few days until it’s all out. Your stool may be drier, harder, and light-colored during this time.)

To get clearer pictures, a “double-contrast” exam is often done. This exam uses a smaller amount of thicker barium liquid. After the barium is in, air is put into your bowel. This can cause a sense of fullness and discomfort, along with an urge to empty your bowels.

Upper GI series: You will probably be asked to not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before this test. You will lie down and be strapped to a tilting table while a series of x-rays are taken as the barium coats your esophagus and stomach. You’ll need to swallow the barium mixture a few times during the test. (In some cases, substances other than barium are used.) You might also be asked to swallow baking soda crystals to create gas in your stomach.

Sometimes more pictures are taken a few hours later to show the small intestine (it takes time for the barium to move from the stomach to the small intestine). This is called a small bowel follow through.

After the test you may be given a laxative to speed up getting the barium out of your body. It still may take a few days until it’s all out. Your stool may be drier, harder, and light-colored during this time.

Venography: As you lie still on a table, the skin over the vein to be used is cleaned and numbed. This will be a small vein below the vein that might be blocked (like the foot for a vein in the leg, or the hand for a vein in the arm). A catheter (thin plastic tube) is then put into the small vein. It may be threaded in so that it passes into a larger vein closer to the one to be studied, or a tourniquet may be used so the dye flows into the deeper veins. The contrast dye is put in to make the veins show up on the x-ray, and a series of x-ray pictures is taken.

Extra fluids may be given through the catheter to help wash the dye out of your body. After that, the catheter is taken out. Firm pressure may be needed on the site for a while to make sure it doesn’t bleed.

How long do x-rays take?

• Standard x-ray: about 5 to 10 minutes
• Angiogram: 1 to 3 hours
• Intravenous pyelogram: about 1 hour
• Lower GI series: 30 to 45 minutes
• Upper GI series: 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the part of the digestive system being tested
• Venogram: 30 to 90 minutes

What are the possible complications and side effects of x-rays?

Standard x-rays: Problems are rare and very unlikely.

Angiography: You may have a warm or burning feeling as the dye is given. The contrast material may cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, itching, or a bitter or salty taste. In rare cases, people can have a severe allergic reaction to the contrast material that affects their breathing and blood pressure. The contrast material can also cause kidney problems. This is rare, but it’s more common in someone whose kidneys already don’t work well.

There’s a small risk of a blood clot forming on the end of the catheter, which could block a blood vessel. There’s also a small risk of damage to the blood vessel from the catheter, which could lead to internal bleeding. A hematoma (a large collection of blood under the skin) may develop where the catheter was put in if pressure is not kept on the site long enough. Infection is possible at the catheter site. (Possible complications of CT or MR angiography are like those described in the sections on CT and MRI).

Your body may ache from lying still on the flat table for a few hours.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): The contrast dye sometimes causes some people to have flushing, mild itching, or a bitter or salty taste. In rare cases, people have a severe reaction to the contrast material and need emergency treatment.

Lower GI series (barium enema): The test can be uncomfortable. Some patients have abdominal (belly) cramping. Many patients find the test makes them tired. The barium contrast material will make your stools a light color for a few days after the test and may cause constipation. Very rarely, the barium can cause an obstruction, or blockage, in the bowels.

Upper GI series (barium swallow): The barium mixture has the thickness of a milkshake and tastes chalky. Baking soda crystals can cause bloating, gas, and belching. After the test, your stools will be a light color for a few days, and you may be constipated. There’s a slight chance that the barium might cause an obstruction or blockage in the intestine.

Venography: You may have a warm or burning feeling as the dye is given. Your arm or leg (where the catheter is put in) may feel numb during the test. Some people have a bitter or salty taste in their mouth. In rare cases, people can have a severe allergic reaction to the contrast material that affects their breathing and blood pressure. The contrast material can also cause kidney problems. This is rare, and it’s more common in someone whose kidneys already don’t work well.

There’s a small risk of a blood clot forming, which could block a blood vessel. There’s also a small risk of damage to the blood vessel from the catheter, which could lead to internal bleeding. There may be pain and bruising and infection is possible where the catheter is put in.

What else should I know about x-rays?

• Tell your doctor if you could be pregnant or are breastfeeding before having any of these tests.
• X-ray tests expose the body to radiation, but modern x-ray equipment uses much smaller amounts of radiation than in the past. (See “Understanding Radiation Risk from Imaging Tests” for more on this.)
• A newer technology, called digital radiology, produces pictures on computer screens rather than on film. The size and contrast of the pictures can be digitally adjusted to make them easier to read, and they can be sent to computers in other medical offices or hospitals.
• If you are to have a test that uses a contrast dye, tell your doctor if you are allergic to contrast materials, iodine, or to seafood. This may put you at a higher risk for having a reaction.

What Irregularities Can an X-Ray Detect?

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!

Roentgen and general information about it.

Many health problems cannot be identified without an accurate diagnosis or x-ray. For example, when we have a suspicion of pneumonia, we often hear from the doctor – “we need to do a fluorography.” What is an x-ray study? And why do doctors often recommend it?

Fluorography is the most popular type of x-ray.

What is an x-ray? Speaking in professional medical language x-ray is a detailed study of the internal structure of the body by shining it with x-rays and fixing the image on a special film or digital detector, i.e. x-rays penetrate through the tissues of the body without damaging them, form a picture of the state of human organs.

What does an x-ray show? On the pictures you can see (depending on the purpose of the device) various pathologies: inflammation, fractures, neoplasms (tumors), degenerative-dystrophic changes, destructive changes, developmental anomalies, etc. X-ray methods are used in the examination of the lungs, bones, soft tissues, internal organs (stomach, kidneys, etc.).

After an x-ray examination, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis in a number of complex diseases.

The color of the image of the organs depends on their density. Different tissues pick up x-rays differently. Bones, muscles, lungs – will be displayed differently, the denser the tissue, the lighter it will be on the x-ray image.

How often can an x-ray be taken?

X-ray can be preventive and diagnostic. For the purpose of prevention, fluorography or radiography of the chest organs is done (at least 1 time per year), mammography (at least 1 time in two years). Diagnostic x-rays (including fluorography) are done if any diseases are suspected, it is prescribed by the attending physician. Exposure dose limits for patients (and, accordingly, the number of X-ray procedures) from diagnostic targets are not set (SanPiN 2. 6.1.1192-03).

What is the allowable rate?

Standard for preventive exposure during preventive medical X-ray examinations – 1 mSv per year. Limits of radiation doses for patients with diagnostic purposes are not set (if the doctor considers it necessary, then it is necessary).
When the accumulated dose of medical diagnostic exposure of a patient reaches 500 mSv (average dose per radiographic examination is approximately 0.001-0.5 mSv), measures should be taken to further limit his exposure if radiation procedures are not dictated by vital indications.

Is it necessary to remove radiation from the body after an X-ray examination?

After X-ray examinations, it is not necessary to remove radiation, since the radiation dose is negligible. Even after a scintigraphy, in which a radioactive drug is injected into a vein, it is only recommended to drink more fluids.

An important role is played by high-quality modern equipment and competent work with the apparatus of a specialist.

X-rays are made at Sanas Medical Center using the best Japanese equipment of the new generation Shimadzu SONIALVISION G4. This is the best in its class and the only multi-complex in the Far East, which, in addition to standard radiographic functions, has unique functions – tomosynthesis (layered examination) and SLOT radiography (panoramic image of the spine or lower extremities). Provides the highest image quality and detailed transmission of information at the lowest radiation dose.

SONIALVISION G4 is a universal remote-controlled X-ray diagnostic complex of the Premium class . The Multi-Purpose All-in-One System sets new standards for versatile imaging systems, increasing radiology room productivity over conventional systems.

2. The SONIALVISION G4 is recognized as the best in class universal X-ray unit. Independent analytical company KLAS presented Shimaszu Medical Systems with the “2015 Best in KLAS award” in the X-ray equipment segment.

3. The world’s first remote-controlled device with the function of tomosynthesis is an X-ray examination method that produces a layered image of the area under examination with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm, which allows you to see the smallest pathological changes up to 1 mm. The diagnostic capabilities of this method are much wider than with conventional digital radiography.

   Tomosynthesis significantly expands the detection limits of smaller pathological changes than conventional radiography. 74% of focal-like shadows (focal-like shadows can be with tumors, metastases, tuberculosis and other pathological processes) are detected during tomosynthesis compared to 25% with standard radiography, which indicates a threefold increase in detection sensitivity during tomosynthesis. Digital radiography failed to detect metastatic changes in the lungs in 21.3%, which were determined during tomosynthesis. The informativeness of tomosynthesis in detecting peripheral lung cancer has been proven by scientists from the Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening (Tokyo, Chiba).

4. The low dose of radiation allows the use of tomosynthesis as a screening method, in contrast to computed tomography. In low-dose mode (20 slices), the dose does not exceed 0.001 mSv, which complies with radiation safety standards.

5. Another advantage of tomosynthesis over computed tomography is the ability to examine patients with metal implants without artifacts.

6. SLOT radiography – (aka panoramic radiography, slit radiography, axial radiography, teleroentgenogram). This method allows you to take a panoramic image of all parts of the spine with pelvic exposure or lower extremities with pelvic exposure in one image in one pass of the X-ray tube. The image is obtained with true anatomical dimensions, in contrast to the image stitching method. Slot radiography is effectively used to diagnose: scoliosis, shortening and deformity of the lower extremities, misalignment and rotation of the pelvic bones. This method is necessary for the work of orthopedists, manual therapists.

7. Intelligently designed for all examinations without moving the patient, head-to-leg coverage is 202 cm.

Medical Center “Sanas” employs experienced doctors – radiologists and radiologists who will qualitatively make and describe radiographic images of the desired organ and give true information about the state of your health.

Can an x-ray show cancer: x-ray cancer, x-ray in oncology at Euroonco clinic

Radiography appeared 5 years before the end of the 19th century and became the first study in the history of mankind of the internal structure of the body, and without being introduced into it. For a century, X-rays had a reputation for being the most informative study, and even today, CT scans with MRI are not able to displace X-rays from clinical practice.

Among diagnostic procedures, the total share of CT with MRI does not exceed 3%, while X-rays are done 15 times more often. Every year, more than 125 million X-ray examinations are performed in state medical institutions alone, and every fifth one is done on a digital device. The frequency of radiography is comparable only with the number of ultrasounds.

What is radiography?

X-ray – an image of a certain part of the body, made with the help of directed ionizing radiation from an apparatus.

Fluoroscopy is an x-ray examination lasting several minutes, when the doctor visually controls what is happening inside the patient’s body through a special screen, episodically photographing what is happening.

Recording the internal state of an organ on film in real time – X-ray or radiograph.

You can take an x-ray of any part of the body and get a true image, in fact, this is a black and white “photo” of all layers of the anatomical region of interest.

Image fidelity can be increased by adjusting the shutter speed and power of the X-ray tube. Air-filled tissues and organs in the image will be dark, bones will be light, that is, the greater the density of the tissue, the lighter it is on the x-ray.

X-ray gives a fixed image for a moment in time, several pictures in different positions of the patient will help to get an idea of ​​the deviations of processes from the norm in dynamics, but the presentation will be somewhat incomplete without the introduction of contrast solutions into the vascular bed, hollow organ or ducts of the studied area.

Modern x-ray machines have not become completely harmless to the subject, but the radiation dose received during the study is minimal and is offset by the importance of the diagnostic information received. Analog devices are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to digital ones, where everything is calculated by a computer program, the image is displayed on the monitor without the need to develop the film, and the pictures taken in the process are stored on electronic media.

Indications and contraindications for

The main indication for radiography in oncology is the need to obtain reliable information about the state of the anatomical region of interest in real time, that is, the diagnosis of deviations from the anatomical norm that cause certain clinical symptoms.

All oncological patients, already at the stage of examination, undergo radiography of several anatomical regions:

• areas of development of the primary malignant process;
• zones of the most probable metastasis, which necessarily include chest x-ray, usually referred to by patients as “lung x-ray”;
• areas where, according to the clinical signs or complaints of the patient, metastases are suspected.

During treatment, it is also impossible to do without radiography:

• the choice of the optimal volume of surgical intervention is impossible without knowing the relationship of a cancerous tumor with nearby anatomical structures;
• after surgery with intubation and anesthesia, the state of the lungs is monitored, if inflammation is suspected, an x-ray examination is carried out at intervals of several days;
• after surgery, the placement of internal boats or stents is controlled;
• in the process of cyclic chemotherapy, the assessment of the dynamics of metastases in the lungs and bones is impossible without an X-ray examination;
• in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the pulmonary system, complications of special treatment or the natural course of the malignant process are diagnosed;
• follow-up after completion of treatment requires imaging of areas of possible recurrence and cancer metastases.

The very presence of a malignant tumor, the process of its treatment and subsequent dynamic monitoring is an absolute indication for regular and repeated X-ray diagnostics.

Contraindications to examination in oncology are relative, they almost never occur in clinical practice:

• examinations are not performed on pregnant women, who rarely have malignant neoplasms;
• The severe and extremely serious condition of the patient is also not a reason to refuse an examination, since it may be due to the underlying disease and a quick diagnosis using X-ray helps to choose the optimal therapy.

Oncological disease is an absolute indication for X-ray examination in the absence of absolute contraindications.

Advantages and disadvantages of X-ray diagnostics

X-ray, in addition to reliable diagnostic information about the real state of the studied anatomical region, allows inexpensive and fairly fast monitoring of the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. A few minutes are enough for the examination.

It is correct to take more than one direct shot – a “photo” from front to back, but also a side one, in order to have a complete picture of the localization of the pathology inside the organ.

In the case of a tumor process, layered images are performed – tomograms, when an X-ray beam, as it were, cuts the organ and its surrounding tissues, forming a section of any anatomical part at a certain distance from the skin. Several tomograms are made and with a “step” of several centimeters. Additional options increase the cost of the examination, which is still incomparable with the price of a standard CT and MRI.

Not all organs are accessible to x-rays, for example, the pancreas is not visible at all, the intestines are visible only by the contents, additional contrasting allows you to see many hidden internal organs.

Patients approach X-ray diagnostic procedures with ease because there is no pain and no risk of infection. Each X-ray examination supplements the total exposure of the patient, but a cancer patient has to take a lot of pictures and quite often, because without high-quality diagnostics it is impossible to either select the optimal treatment or evaluate its result. Nevertheless, from the standpoint of the ratio of harm to benefit, a cancer patient benefits more from X-rays than loses health due to radiation.

X-ray is inferior in image quality to CT and MRI, but there is not always a need for clarification “100%”, often the speed and availability of the examination is quite enough. An optimal place was found for each method in the treatment and diagnostic process in an oncological patient.

Types of radiography

Types of examination are determined by the characteristics of the anatomical zone under study and the process of taking the image.

Standard radiography is an overview, that is, an image that gives an idea of ​​the state of the entire organ, or rather images in two mutually perpendicular projections – anterior and lateral.

In dentistry and oral tumors, a variant of the panoramic image is known as orthopantomography, but in radiography it is a panoramic image, in which the beam emanating from the device passes in a wide arc, appearing on the film in the form of the upper and lower jaws, and not a separate tooth.

Opposite panoramic view – targeted radiography allows you to “photograph” a specific area, for example, the tumor of the upper mediastinum or the root of the lung. This view is performed only after a plain x-ray.

In fact, the same targeted contact radiography is used in dentistry, when the film is placed in the mouth and only the diseased tooth is removed. In oncology, the intraoral technique is used for cancer of the oral mucosa and oropharynx to assess the involvement of the bone in the tumor conglomerate.

Close-focus radiography, usually of small structures and at a close distance from the beam tube, is similar to aiming. In a small focus, the pathology is seen more clearly.

The introduction or administration of a contrast agent visualizes the abdominal organs of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system and vascular network – contrast examination of the intestine – irrigoscopy, bile ducts – cholecystography, urinary tract – urography, fistulas – fistulography.

Vogt radiography is not used in oncology, an eye image without skull bones is necessary for injuries. In case of malignant processes, the eyes resort to CT.

Also, there is rarely a need for x-rays with functional tests when the patient is filmed in a certain position, for example, with neoplasms of the spine.

Soft tissue radiography is also not a commonly used technique, but may be useful in sarcomas.

X-ray preparation

Modern digital devices require little to no patient preparation. Diagnosis of the state of the chest organs takes place “on wheels”, that is, it is possible at any time and requires only the removal of clothing and jewelry.

To study the state of the gastrointestinal tract, there is a need to empty the organs; when examining the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, one should not eat for several hours.

In case of oncopathology of the large intestine, contrasting is necessary, therefore, 2 hours before the diagnosis, the intestines are cleaned. It is advisable to avoid foods that contribute to the formation of gases for a couple of days.

Examination technique

The patient must undress before the diagnosis, since all tissues repel part of the X-rays from themselves, this rebound forms a secondary radiation that reduces the clarity of the image. Extinguishing of ricochet rays from the skin, soft tissues, organs is provided, and each X-ray machine has its own table of corrections.

Metal decorations also interfere, creating artifacts, they are removed.

I lay the patient on the table in a certain position that allows optimal visualization of the pathological zone. The staff of the X-ray room goes to a room with special protection, from where they communicate with the patient by speaker, offering to stop at a certain moment to take the picture. This is followed by film development and a description of the x-ray picture.

How radiography results are interpreted

Depending on the diagnostic task, radiography can be performed with an increase or decrease in the image, increased rigidity, several series and in several projections. Specialists know what and how to do, they know all the capabilities of the equipment.

Image blur is not only a damaged film and lost time, blur requires re-examination and is associated with additional exposure. For a better image, special filters are used, the capabilities and characteristics of which must be known by the staff of the X-ray room and correlated with the individual characteristics of the patient – his anthropometric data, weight and, ultimately, with the distance to the organ being studied.

Since complete immobility of the subject is impossible, the internal organs also move in their own rhythm, the picture will be of high quality only with high power of the device and a short shutter speed.

A good radiograph can be ruined by misinterpretation. A standard for describing images has been developed, but the end result is associated with the professionalism of the doctor, with his experience and knowledge, with observation and intuition, and of course, knowledge of clinical oncology. Our clinic has excellent equipment and staff, so x-ray reports are always of an expert level.

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References:

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3. Henschke C.I., Yankelevitz D.F., Yip R., et al./ Lung Cancers Diagnosed at Annual CT Screening: Volume Doubling Times// Radiology; 2012; V. 263, No. 2
4. Nishi M., Ichikawa H. /X-ray diagnosis of gastric cancer// Gastric Cancer; Springer Verlag, 1993.
5. Stapley S., Sharp D., Hamilton W./ Negative chest X-rays in primary care patients with lung cancer// British Journal of General Practice 2006; 56 (529): 570-573.