X-ray
An x-ray is a quick procedure that can help to diagnose and monitor a number of different health conditions. X-ray procedures are carried out by radiographers.
Diagnosis using x-ray
X-rays are commonly used to look for fractures in your bones after a fall or injury but they can also be used to look at your organs. For example, an x-ray image of your chest can show whether you have an infection in your lungs.
How an x-ray is used during cancer treatment
X-ray scans are used throughout the cancer treatment journey. They help our oncologists:
- Find the location and size of tumours
- Monitor how the cancer is responding to treatment
- Guide certain procedures, such as radiotherapy
- Monitor how your body is responding to treatment
Whether you are beginning a new treatment or continuing an existing one, x-rays ensure that your care plan is precisely tailored to your needs.
At GenesisCare, we use a range of x-ray techniques for cancer-related purposes. These are only available to patients undergoing diagnostic or cancer treatment with GenesisCare or our partner hospitals.
What to expect during an x-ray?
Depending on the type of examination required, the x-ray may require you to either stand up or lie down on the couch. Your radiographer will position the machine close to the relevant part of your body your doctor needs to look at before taking the image.
X-rays will usually only take a few minutes. You may be asked to remove your clothing, put on a hospital gown and take off your jewellery as required to complete the x-ray your doctor needs to see. There are private changing rooms including personal possession lockers at your disposal.
You will then go to the x-ray room and your radiographer will talk you through the procedure and assist you where needed. You will be asked to stay still and sometimes, particularly if you’re having a chest x-ray, to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.
Meet our doctors
Everything we do is focused on designing better care for our patients.
With a network of 14 specialist oncology treatment centres across the UK, we provide the most up-to-date treatments and technology as standard. We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of different types of cancer.
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With 440 centres across the world, we're continuing to diagnose and treat without delay, bringing specialist care closer to our patients in the UK, Spain, Australia and the US.
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We are the UK’s leading private provider of advanced radiotherapy and cancer care. We offer fast access to the latest technology and treatments that has been proven to make a difference.
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Accessing world-class cancer care is easier than you think. Follow these easy steps to get treatment, tests and scans, or a second opinion at GenesisCare, and find out the different ways of funding your cancer care.
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We believe patients can be our teachers and trusted advisers, benefiting from their unique experiences.