X-ray is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, and is a commonly used, painless, test to produce images of the structures of the body, especially the bones. Although less useful for soft tissue imaging, X-rays can reveal pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary oedema, bowel obstruction, and in mammography. Used with contrast medium, X-rays are used in angiography to generate images of the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system.

Computed tomography (CT)

Medical imaging obtained from a series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken in different directions. These cross-sectional images can be combined to create a three-dimensional image.

Radiotherapy

The use of X-rays for the management and palliation of cancer. It requires higher doses of radiation than those used in imaging. The choice of radiotherapy depends on the type of tumour, the extent of disease, the position of the tumour and the position of other sensitive structures in relation to the tumour.