At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, we provide X-Ray Right Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging which is an NABL and NABH Accredited Centre in diagnostics and therapy. This examination uses special images taken on an X-ray machine to assess the Temporal Bone (behind the ears) on the right side of the head. There are small air-filled spaces inside the mastoid which connect it to the middle ear and there its function in the ear structure. If there are any selected bone deformities on the temporal bone and mastoid air cells, an X-ray of that area may be warranted. There are three types of projection: lateral, oblique, and Townes, involving different angles that provide different viewing points to promote visualisation of the important structures. The types of view are dependent on the clinical indication and the referring clinician's needs.

About X-Ray Right Mastoid LAT/OBL/Townes

The X-Ray Right Mastoid LAT/OBL/Townes is a special X-ray that is used to view the right mastoid (skull bone) and other related bones to the temporal bone structures. The side-on view is called the lateral view, and the other views are oblique and Townes (with obliquity and various angles) to depict some selected bony anatomy. There is an intimate relationship between the middle ear and mastoids. Otalgia is occasionally associated with the mastoid air cells and/or bone around the mastoids. If there are some clinical situations in which one can see changes in the obvious mastoid region, it may be routine. The temporal bone is a complex area of overlapping bones with limited effectiveness of the conventional mastoid radiograph. A detailed examination of mastoid air cells, temporal bone, or complications of ear disease will usually require a detailed assessment, which is best completed using CT. This is up to the clinician and what is most suitable.

What Is an X-Ray Right Mastoid LAT/OBL/Townes?

X-rays are a type of controlled amount of ionising radiation used to create images of the internal structures, such as the bones. Evaluates the right mastoid region with an elevated head position for a right mastoid examination, in various positions, to obtain a lateral, oblique, and Townes view of the temporal bone and neighboring mastoid air cells. The projections change the angle by which the bones are viewed. This can minimize the conflict of chosen structures and include extra data on the visible anatomy. Not a bloody examination and typically does not require an injection. However, the X-ray is not the ideal tool to demonstrate all abnormalities contiguous to the mastoid air cells and middle ear, and normal X-rays exclude not all ear abnormalities. Depending on the symptoms and clinical findings, additional imaging may be required.

Common Reasons

• Suspected mastoid bone abnormality: To determine if the mastoid bones show any abnormality.
• Evaluating ear-related symptoms: When the mastoid or temporal bone is suspected of having some abnormality.
• Possible mastoid air-cell changes: To observe some of the changes in the appearance of the air cells in the mastoid.
• Evaluation following clinical exam – To detect an abnormal bone condition seen during an examination of a patient's ears.
• Follow-up examination: To follow up on a known examination of a condition, if appropriate.
• Other bony evaluation: If the doctor treating you requests a different set, the rest of the bones are evaluated by other projections of the mastoid area.

Conditions and Abnormalities Evaluated

Mastoid Air-Cell Changes

Mastoid air cells are air-filled spaces within the temporal bone. On X-rays, well-aerated air cells generally appear darker, while reduced aeration or opacification may appear more opaque. These findings are nonspecific and must be interpreted alongside the patient's symptoms, clinical examination, and other investigations.

Possible Changes Associated With Ear Disease

Some ear diseases can affect the mastoid air cells, causing changes in their aeration or appearance. However, conventional mastoid X-rays have limited ability to determine the cause or extent of disease. When mastoid infection or its complications are suspected, clinical assessment and additional imaging, particularly CT of the temporal bones when indicated, may be required.

Other Temporal Bone Abnormalities

Using a projection can provide information on some of the visible bony projections around the mastoids. When clinically indicated, further evaluation is often required, including detailed evaluation of the temporal bone and middle ear or suspected complications.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

A major function of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is to provide imaging and diagnostic radiology services tailored towards patient care and the appropriate use of imaging protocols and image quality. The centre also has pathology facilities and helps to support specialised nuclear medicine facilities. Patient instructions and support are provided by trained personnel during the examination process and positioning of patients and providing for the safe radiation use during the examination process. The results of the imager should not be the only factor to consider when diagnosing, and should be correlated with the patient's clinical symptoms and medical history, as well as the evaluation of the referring clinician.

Book Your X-Ray Right Mastoid LAT/OBL/Townes

Please contact Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, and we are glad to give you details about the next X-Ray appointment, which will be issued to you as soon as they are available. Promptly seek medical assessment if the ear symptoms progress, if there is swelling or redness behind the ear, an ear pushed out, a high fever, or a severe headache. Combined with these symptoms, often an X-ray is all that is necessary, but urgent evaluation is also needed.