Abstract: A device for X-ray diagnosis, includes an X-ray tube, an image layer carrier, and a compression device for compressing a portion of the patient to be examined fixed to a side of the image layer carrier directed toward the tube. The compression device has two flat, superimposed, interconnected layers of low X-ray absorption material extending over the entire illuminable surface of the image layer carrier, so that the borders of the layers are not X-rayed. One of the layers is directed toward the tube and is fabricated from an elastically extensible material and the layers define therebetween an inflatable central circular section and a narrow tube-like lead section extending from an edge of the two layers to the central circular section. The compression device permits the patient to be X-rayed in the area of the inflatable circular section and in the area laterally adjacent to the inflatable circular section without producing edge shadows.