What kind of doctor do I see about an X-Ray for possible cancer?

Question

I have been wanting to get this checked out for years but never went. I'm to the point where I want to know if its benign or malignant. Do I schedule an appointment with a radiologist or a just a family physician? I'm confused, I want to do this on my own with anyone knowing cause I never told anyone about what I have. Can someone please help me out. I want to get this checked out ASAP.

Answer 1

Go to your primary doctor and they will have to refer you to get an xray. After that someone in radiology will look at it and get back to your doctor.

Answer 2

you cannot schedule an appointment with a radiologist (radiologists don't see patients like that). See your primary care doctor (either your family physician or your internist). they will have to decide what type of x-ray to order. the radiologist only reads and interprets the x-ray.

Answer 3

You have to go to the doctor, have him examine it and he will set you up with an appointment for an x-ray if it is required. That is the only way you will get it x-rayed as you can't set an appointment with the radiologist without a doctor's referral.

Answer 4

Ok. First of all most malignancies are not visible on an x ray.
You have to have a CT scan and perhaps an MRI of the affected area.

Answer 5

You haven't mentioned where you suspect the cancer is, but you have said you have wanted to get it checked for years!!!!!!!!!!!

Just about any type of cancer except prostrate cancer would have killed you by now!

Not all cancers are found by x-ray.

See your regular Dr, explain your symptoms and they will arrange for appropriate testing and referal to a specialist, if necessary.

The best treatment for any cancer is early diagnosois!

Answer 6

That would depend on your insurance. Some require a referal to any specialist. I would talk to your primary doctor first anyway, and let him/her take the lead. Your doctor is trained to find who you need and when. Good luck!