RADIOGRAPHY
You have read in GNM courses about radiographical examination. In this text the discussion will be on the following radiographical tests.
Chest Roentgenogram
- Normal pulmonary tissue is radiolucent. Thus densities produced by tumors, foreign bodies, etc. can be detected.
- Shows position of normal structures, displacement and presence of abnormal shadows.
- Chest X-rays may reveal extensive pathology in the lungs in the absence of symptoms.
Tomography (Planigraphy)
- Provides films of sections of lungs at different levels within the thorax.
- Useful in demonstrating presence of small, solid lesions, calcification, or cavitation within a lesion.
Computed Tomography:
An imaging method in which the lungs are scanned in successive layers by a nmow beam x-ray. A computer printout is obtained of the absorption values of the tissues in the plane that is being scanned.