More Advanced Types Of X-Rays Your Doctor Might Request
If you have symptoms that your doctor cannot diagnose based on blood tests and physical observations alone, then they may send you to a clinical imaging center. In some cases, you may only need to get standard x-rays. But other times, your doctor may request one or more of the following types of more specialized x-rays in order to give them a more in-depth look at your body's internal structures.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that produces videos rather than simple imagines. First, you will be asked to drink a special beverage that contains fluorescent compounds. Those compounds will accumulate in an organ or organs that your doctor has requested images of. Once this has had time to occur, you'll be put into a special machine. Depending on the organ that is being assessed, you may or may not be asked to move in a certain way. A special camera will take a video of the process, and the fluorescence will stand out distinctly in the recorded footage. This will allow your doctor to observe what the organ looks like as it moves. For example, they may watch how your lungs change shape as you breathe in and out, or they may watch how your stomach moves as it churns.
Mammography
Mammography is a specialized type of x-ray specifically tailored towards the breasts. You may be sent for mammography if your doctor has reason to suspect you may have breast cancer or another type of growth in your breast tissue. To perform a mammogram, the practitioner will "set" your breast on a clear plate and then press down with another clear plate. This will flatten your breast between the two pieces of plastic, which will be uncomfortable but not terribly painful. An x-ray machine will then create an image showing any abnormalities in your breast tissue.
Angiography
Angiography is an x-ray used to show the blood vessels. A fluorescent dye will be injected into your veins and allowed to circulate. You will then be asked to stand in front of a specialized x-ray machine, which will take a photo of your body, showing the location of your blood vessels. This can help your doctor locate blood clots, collapsed veins, and even silent aneurysms.
If you have any questions about the type of x-rays or images your doctor has requested, don't be afraid to ask. Imaging should be easy and stress-free from the patient's point of view. For more information, contact a company like WorldCare Clinical.