Plain x-rays

[Dave Paprocki]

X-rays are high-energy radiation waves that can penetrate most substances (to varying degrees). In very low doses, x-rays are used to produce images that help doctors diagnose disease. In high doses, x-rays (radiation therapy) is used to treat cancer.

X-rays may be used alone as plain x-rays or combined with other techniques, such as computed tomography (CT). (See also Overview of Imaging Tests.)