X-rays and scans: what they show, and what they miss

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: A normal scan does not always mean no problem

   This catches people out and it is worth understanding. Plenty of real conditions do not show on imaging. Women in particular may have genuine heart trouble in the very small vessels while a scan of the large ones looks reassuring. If you feel unwell and the picture is clear, that is a reason to keep asking, not to stop.

   Learn more: Heart attack signs in women, and why they are missed
2. 2

   Step 2: An abnormal scan does not always mean trouble

   The reverse is just as true, and more common. Scan enough backs, knees and shoulders of healthy people over 60 and most of them show wear that causes no symptoms at all. A worrying-sounding report may be describing something you have had painlessly for twenty years.

   Learn more: Arthritis: the three common kinds, and telling them apart
3. 3

   Step 3: Ask what the scan will change

   The most useful question before any imaging is what will be done differently depending on the result. If the answer is nothing, the scan may add worry without adding anything else. If the answer is clear, it is worth having.

   Learn more: Ten essentials of healthy ageing
4. 4

   Step 4: Ask for the result in words you can use

   Reports are written for doctors. Ask what it means for you, whether anything needs doing, and whether anything on it needs watching. Take somebody with you or ask for it written down. And keep your own copies, because they save repeating things later.

   Learn more: Bones to protect after 60, and why these five

All topics in this guide

• Heart attack signs in women, and why they are missed
• Arthritis: the three common kinds, and telling them apart
• Ten essentials of healthy ageing
• Bones to protect after 60, and why these five

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