X-rays are extremely important in medical imaging because they allow doctors to see inside the human body non-invasively and diagnose conditions that are not visible externally. Their ability to penetrate soft tissues while being absorbed by denser structures like bone makes them ideal for producing internal images.
Key reasons why X-rays are important in medical imaging:
- Bone Imaging
- Detects fractures, dislocations, bone deformities, and osteoporosis.
- Helps in post-surgical evaluation of bone healing.
- Chest and Lung Diagnosis
- Identifies pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and fluid in the lungs.
- Used to check heart size and detect certain cardiovascular problems.
- Dental Imaging
- Finds cavities, impacted teeth, and bone infections in the jaw.
- Guidance in Procedures
- Used during surgeries (fluoroscopy) to guide instruments in real time.
- Helps in placing catheters, stents, or orthopedic implants.
- Detection of Foreign Objects
- Locates swallowed or embedded objects in the body.
- Screening for Diseases
- Mammography (a specialized X-ray) detects breast cancer at early stages.
Why they are preferred:
- Quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive.
- Provide immediate results in emergencies.