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X-ray
X-rays are a form of radiated energy, basically similar to
light rays and radio waves, but with extremely short wavelengths
and the power to penetrate soft tissues. X-ray is a very common
method of diagnosing a range of problems - virtually everyone
will have had an X-ray at some point or another. Hard tissues
such as bones show up on an ordinary X-ray photograph, but
internal organs and soft tissues such as the breasts, need
special techniques to make them visible.
DIAGNOSING WOMEN'S PROBLEMS
Mammography:
Examination of the breasts using X-rays to detect breast lumps,
and tumours which are too small to be felt, making early
treatment possible.
Hysterosalpingography:
Examination of the womb and Fallopian tubes, when searching for
the cause of infertility.
CT scanning:
Particularly useful in detecting the spread of cancer, CT
scanning produces cross-sectional images of the body, so that a
complete picture can be built up. You will be required to don a
surgical gown, and lie on a special bed which passes into the
scanner, so that the body can be X-rayed from different angles.
This procedure is painless, although one may succumb to
claustrophobia whilst inside the scanner - closing your eyes and
practicing a few relaxation techniques will help.
WHAT NEXT?
Further treatment depends entirely on the results. Most of the
time, no further treatment is necessary, although medication may
be prescribed or in other instances, surgery.
Back to Diagnosing Women's Problems
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