Definition: an X-ray is a type of ray used in medical imaging to diagnose diseases such as breast cancer. An X-ray image of the breast is called a mammogram. X-rays act like light rays in that they travel in straight lines. But unlike light rays, X-rays penetrate much deeper into most materials and travel all the way through most of the tissues of the body. They are blocked only by bone and other hard structures. A technician takes an X-ray image by placing an X-ray source on one side of the area of the body to be imaged and an X-ray film or detector on the other side. The body casts a shadowy image onto the detector, and the image is produced as a film or digital picture. The X-ray image is viewed by a radiologist, who interprets it and decides what it shows.
Another use of X-rays is in cancer therapy. Intense beams of X-rays damage fast-growing cancer cells more than they damage normal cells. So a series of X-ray therapy treatments (radiation or radiotherapy) can kill off cancer cells without too much damage to the rest of the body. The X-rays break the DNA in the cancer cells, so they cannot divide and multiply. Non-cancerous cells can survive radiation treatment.
Another use of X-rays is in cancer therapy. Intense beams of X-rays damage fast-growing cancer cells more than they damage normal cells. So a series of X-ray therapy treatments (radiation or radiotherapy) can kill off cancer cells without too much damage to the rest of the body. The X-rays break the DNA in the cancer cells, so they cannot divide and multiply. Non-cancerous cells can survive radiation treatment.
Pronunciation: EKS-ray
Also Known As: X-rays are also called "roentgen rays" in Europe after their discoverer, W. Roentgen.
Alternate Spellings: xray, xray films
Examples:
Because X-rays can damage molecules in the cells of the body, the number of X-rays a person can have per year is limited.
