What is a lumbar puncture used to diagnose? When are x-rays used in diagnosis?
What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure sometimes referred to as a spinal tap, usually performed under local anesthesia . A thin needle is inserted in the space between the two lower vertebrae of the spine to remove fluid that normally is in this area. Lumbar punctures are used in cancer, for instance, to diagnose leukemia in the central nervous system. This examination indicates the pressure within the spinal fluid system and can show evidence of tumor, infection, or inflammation in the central nervous system. If spinal fluid is being removed, a headache following the procedure is not unusual. When are x-rays used in diagnosis? X-rays are an important part of the diagnostic workup. Xrays are used to detect and diagnose many forms of cancer, including cancer of the lung, digestive tract, and breast. They are also used to determine whether the cancer has spread to places such as the lung or the bone. Properly taken and read, x-rays are ...