Differences Between X-ray Vs CT scan, and MRI. Usage and applications

What is the general principle guiding the use of X-ray, CT scan, and MRI?
In which specific diseases are each of these imaging methods considered the gold standard for diagnosis?
What are the fundamental differences between X-ray, CT scan, and MRI?
What is the time and duration associated with each imaging procedure?
What are the side effects, adverse effects, and contraindications for each imaging technique?
What is the long-term cancer risk associated with radiation doses from these imaging methods?
Is the increased cancer risk from radiation exposure absolute or relative?
What are the lifetime risks for thyroid, leukemia, breast, and lung cancers?
Important Highlights:
X-ray is primarily used for imaging bones and basic lung and abdominal issues, and it's low-cost and quick.
CT scans employ multiple X-rays to construct detailed internal images, useful for complex injuries and tumors.
MRI excels at soft tissue imaging and does not employ ionizing radiation, reducing long-term cancer risk.
Both X-ray and CT scans involve ionizing radiation, unlike MRI, which relies on magnetic fields.
Lifetime risks for thyroid, leukemia, breast, and lung cancers vary and are subject to multiple factors.
The increased cancer risk due to radiation exposure is relative, not absolute.
CT scans and X-rays contribute to varying levels of radiation exposure, with CT scans generally exposing patients to higher doses.
A dose of approximately 100 mSv is associated with a statistically significant but small increase in cancer risk, according to the BEIR VII report.
By Martin Tornai - Own work, CC BY 4.0, commons.wikime...
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By © Nevit Dilmen, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikime...