Urgent Care with X-ray Services in Columbia MD

X-rays are an essential part of the medical field that is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate through solid objects and create images of bones, internal organs, and tissues. Different types of X-rays are used for different purposes.

The most common types of X-rays include traditional radiography, computed tomography (CT), and mammography. Traditional radiography is used to create images of bones and soft tissues in the body. It involves passing X-rays through the body and capturing the resulting image on a film or digital platform. This type of X-ray is commonly used to diagnose bone fractures, pneumonia, and other medical conditions.

On the other hand, CT scans provide more in-depth detailed images. CT scans provide a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create a three-dimensional image of the body. CT scans are available when necessary to provide detailed images of the body including the bones, muscles, and organs, as well as blood vessels.

Traditional radiography is another type of X-ray that is used to provide images of bones and soft tissues. Traditional radiography is a non-invasive and safe procedure that uses low levels of radiation. It is commonly used to diagnose fractures, arthritis, and other medical conditions.

Mammograms are another common type of X-ray used that specializes in the imagery of breast cancer screenings and diagnosis. Mammogram uses low levels of radiation to create images of breast tissue. It is highly recommended that women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years to screen for breast cancer. The images produced through a mammogram are completed by doctors to detect any abnormalities within the breast tissue that can indicate the presence of cancer.

An X-ray is usually the first medical imaging test a doctor orders for diagnostic purposes. X-ray images are used not only for diagnosis, but also to support treatment, monitor the progression of disease or injury, and assess treatment progress.

These top 3 medical conditions are why X-rays are such an important medical instrument to use:

• Fracture

Patients with bone injuries often require X-rays. Even if a fracture is diagnosed without an X-ray, it can still provide important information about the fracture. These images can tell doctors if the fracture is complete (the bone is broken in half) or partial. X-rays can also show if bones have moved from their original positions and if fractures have split or broken into multiple pieces. Based on the X-ray results, doctors can decide how best to treat the fracture so that it heals properly.

• Mammography

A mammogram is another very common X-ray exam that is ordered by patients who wish to check for abnormal breast growth. A mammogram uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of the breast. It is used to detect abnormal growth so it can be determined if further testing is needed. Mammograms have dramatically reduced breast cancer-related deaths since the 1990s because they allow for early diagnosis.

• Urinary tract disease

Another common use of X-rays is to check for problems in body organs. In an IVP or intravenous pyelography x-ray, a contrast dye is injected into the body before the x-rays are taken to highlight problems in the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Contrasting material helps to better highlight abnormalities in X-ray images.

X-rays can detect broken bones, certain tumors, other abnormal masses, pneumonia, certain types of injuries, calcifications, foreign objects, or dental problems.

Elite Urgent Care uses X-rays to create images of internal body structures, especially bones for its patients. X-rays are an extremely effective method for detecting a variety of medical conditions. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Elkridge MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.