Transillumination
Definition The shining of a light through a body cavity or organ.
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Why is the Test Performed?
This test is most commonly performed on newborns or infants with hydrocephalus, or males suspected of having a hydrocele. The test may also be performed on breast tissue to detect lesions and/or cysts. In newborns, a bright halogen light may be used to transilluminate the chest cavity if it is suspected they have a pneumothorax. Transillumination through the chest is only possible on small newborns. Diagnosis of pneumothorax is always confirmed by chest X-ray. In general, transillumination is not a particularly good test for any of these disorders, and further tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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