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Barium X ray & Cancer Diagnosis

- Summary
- About barium x-rays
- Types and differences
- Before the barium x-ray
- During the barium x-ray
- After the barium x-ray
- Potential risks
- Follow-up testing
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Mark Oren, M.D., FACP

Summary

Barium x-rays can refer to a number of tests of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system. The tests examine the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the region of the body from the esophagus to the rectum. These x-rays can detect cancers that occur in any portion of the GI tract.

Diagnostic tools that use barium x-rays are divided into two main categories:

  • Upper GI tests (mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestine), including barium swallow, barium meal and small-bowel series

  • Lower GI tests (large intestine [colon and rectum]), including barium enemas (the administration of barium into the patient’s rectum tColorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum and is a leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.hrough a tube)

Barium is used in radiology tests because its contrast properties outline internal organs and they appear white on the x-ray images.    It helps to visualize problem areas and can indicate difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia) or digestion, ulcerations, malignancy or structural abnormalities.

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Review Date: 03-26-2007

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