Why it's done

X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body.

Bones and teeth

• Fractures and infections. In most cases, fractures and infections in bones and teeth show up clearly on X-rays.
• Arthritis. X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of arthritis. X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor determine if your arthritis is worsening.
• Dental decay. Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in your teeth.
• Osteoporosis. Special types of X-ray tests can measure your bone density.
• Bone cancer. X-rays can reveal bone tumors.

Chest

• Lung infections or conditions. Evidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can show up on chest X-rays.
• Breast cancer. Mammography is a special type of X-ray test used to examine breast tissue.
• Enlarged heart. This sign of congestive heart failure shows up clearly on X-rays.
• Blocked blood vessels. Injecting a contrast material that contains iodine can help highlight sections of your circulatory system to make them visible on X-rays.

Abdomen

• Digestive tract problems. Barium, a contrast medium delivered in a drink or an enema, can help reveal problems in your digestive system.
• Swallowed items. If your child has swallowed something such as a key or a coin, an X-ray can show the location of that object.