Sir Roentegen made a revolutionary discovery to the medical science in form of x ray which has been the pillar of diagnostic procedures in the field of radiology. X ray has simplified the diagnostic process, it has been combined with radiological tools like CT scan to further streamline the radiological evaluation. 

X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation having energy. They penetrate through the tissues to produce an image aiding in clinical diagnosis. Depending on the type of energy they can be soft x-rays and hard x-rays. The type of penetrability depends on the density of the tissues.  For example-  fatty tissues,soft tissues, visceral organs, muscle are relatively less denser than bone. The radiological image produced by fatty tissue and soft tissues are relatively less denser or black. On the other hand bone being a harder structure produce radiopaque white images.

Different type of X-ray utilities in diagnostic radiology—- 

1. Plain X ray– They are used in diagnosis of fractures,  foreign body, calcification, tumors, lung pathology like pneumonia. 

2. CT scan- Also known as computerized tomography.  It utilizes computerized processing with three dimensional views of different sections of tissues. It can be more informative but chances of radiation is also more. CT has the pillar of diagnostic radiology now a days. In case of neurological problems,  CT alone or combined with angiography or MRI has been the cornerstone in the diagnostic brain pathology.

3. Mammography– Mammography utilizes the X ray for breast tissue pathological diagnosis like tumor or micro calcifications. 

4. Flouroscopy–  It images the the real time view of tissues. The contrast material sometimes used to depict the movement through the tissues. The blood flow to the tissues or necrosis of some tissues can be easily detected. 

Therapeutics use of X rays–

 Sometimes it can be used to treat cancerous tissues as a therapeutic purpose. But therapeutic use may utilize high energy X-rays having more penetrating and ionizing property.

Risks of X- rays– 

X-ray is hazardous for growing tissues. Particularly growing fetus in mother’s womb is very much vulnerable. Pregnant women should be avoided any exposure to X-rays. Infants and children are also very much vulnerable.

Long term repeated exposure may induce cancerous transformation of tissues.