What to Expect from Scans and Tests: X-ray

An X-ray is a type of medical test that uses invisible rays of energy (radiation) to take pictures of your insides. It helps doctors see your bones, organs, and other tissues to check for problems like broken bones, infections, or tumours. In this case, it can be used to check if you have signs or symptoms of testicular cancer.

The X-ray machine sends out a special kind of energy, called radiation, that passes through your body. Some parts of your body, like bones, block more of the radiation, while softer tissues, like muscles or organs, let more pass through. A sensor on the other side of your body captures the radiation that comes through. The results appear as a black-and-white image on a computer screen or film.

Since bones block more radiation, they show up as white on the image. Softer tissues show up as darker shades. Doctors can then look at the image to find any issues, like fractures, infections, or other health problems. X-rays are quick, non-invasive, and usually safe, with the amount of radiation used being very low.

When do you have an X-ray?

An X-ray is commonly used to check for testicular cancer when a lump or swelling is found in the testicle, often alongside an ultrasound scan. The latter will help a doctor to distinguish between cysts, benign (non-cancerous) lumps, or solid masses that may indicate cancer. If there is an indication of cancer, an x-ray will tell the doctor if it has spread.

You will also usually have a blood test, known as a tumour marker test. This can be done in tandem with an X-ray, or afterwards depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Find out more on what to expect from blood tests.

Find out more on what to expect from an ultrasound scan.

What is an X-ray looking for?

In the case of a testicular cancer diagnosis, an X-ray is typically used to look for signs that the cancer has spread beyond the testicles. The focus here is mainly on the lungs and your bones. CT scans or ultrasounds are more commonly used to diagnose and evaluate testicular cancer directly. X-rays are generally used as part of the overall process to monitor or check for metastasis.

Testicular cancer can sometimes spread to the lungs. An X-ray of the chest can help doctors look for abnormal growths, such as small nodules or masses, which could indicate cancer has spread there.

X-rays of the bones can help detect any changes or abnormal areas, especially if the cancer has spread to the bones, which can sometimes happen in advanced stages.

Where do you have an X-ray?

You can have an X-ray at various healthcare settings, depending on the type of test needed. Some common places where X-rays are done include:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Imaging Centres
• Urgent Care Centres

In most cases, your doctor will refer you to a location for the X-ray, so you don’t have to worry about arranging the appointment.

What happens next?

Ultrasound scans and x-rays are not enough to confirm you have testicular cancer, even if a lump or abnormality is found. If the ultrasound suggests that a lump may be cancerous, further tests, such as an MRI scan or a biopsy, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. You will know the results and whether or not you need to be seen further within a matter of days or weeks.

You can find more information on MRI scans in our next blog post in the series!