Oftentimes, your doctor will order an x-ray to examine areas of trauma, pain, or disease. Some things that an x-ray can detect are: • Cancers and tumors • An enlarged heart • Blood vessel blockages • Fluid in lungs • Digestive problems • Bone fractures • Dislocated joints • Infections • Osteoporosis • Arthritis • Tooth decay • Foreign objects swallowed or lodged in the body When studying your x-ray scans, your doctor will consider many things, which can include your symptoms, age, weight, and possibly also your family history.