• Cancer
    • Colorectal Cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Penile Cancer
    • Uterine Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Stomach Cancer
    • Bone Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Leukemia (Blood Cells Cancer)
    • Endometrial Cancer
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Kidney Cancer
  • Brain
    • Stroke
    • Dyslexia
    • Down Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Alcoholism
    • Autism
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Epilepsy
    • Schizophrenia
    • Insomnia
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Migraine
    • Phobia
  • Heart
    • Hypertension
    • Endocarditis
    • Coronary Heart Disease
    • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    • Arrhythmia
    • Angina
    • Enlarged heart
    • Pericarditis
    • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
    • Peripheral Arterial Disease
    • Ventricular Septal Defect
    • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
  • Kidney & URO
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Diabetic Nephropathy
    • Urinary Tract Infection
    • Prostatitis
    • Urinary Incontinence
    • Enlarged Prostate
    • Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
    • Kidney Stones
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Cystitis
  • Eye
    • Myopia
    • Glaucoma
    • Dry Eyes
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Cataracts
    • Color Blindness
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Diabetic Retinopathy
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Keratoconus
  • Skin
    • Shingles
    • Rosacea
    • Eczema
    • Vitiligo
    • Psoriasis
    • Scabies
    • Acne
    • Dandruff
  • OBS/GYN
    • Uterine Fibroids
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    • Vaginitis
    • Endometriosis
    • Preeclampsia
    • Menstruation (Period)
    • Ovarian Cyst
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • GI Tract
    • Celiac Disease
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Achalasia
    • Diarrhea
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED)
    • Diverticulitis
    • Liver Cirrhosis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Constipation
    • Appendicitis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • Gallstones
    • Crohn’s Disease
  • Bones & Joints
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Bone Cyst
    • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
    • Sciatica
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)
    • Gout
    • Rickets in Children
    • Spinal Stenosis
  • Dental
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Dental Caries
    • Bad Breath
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Dry Mouth
    • Supernumerary Teeth
    • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
    • Tooth Loss (Edentulism)
    • Impacted Tooth (Tooth Impaction)
  • Others
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Rhinitis
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Thalassemia
    • Hepatitis
    • Sinusitis
    • Acromegaly
    • Health and Wellness
    • Achondroplasia
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Asthma
    • Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Tuberculosis

Write For Us

What's Hot

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

January 28, 2023

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023
Facebook Twitter YouTube
DiseaseFix – World's Largest Disease Information Center
  • Write For Us
Facebook Twitter YouTube
  • Cancer
    • Colorectal Cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Penile Cancer
    • Uterine Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • Stomach Cancer
    • Bone Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Brain Cancer
    • Leukemia (Blood Cells Cancer)
    • Endometrial Cancer
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Kidney Cancer
  • Brain
    • Stroke
    • Dyslexia
    • Down Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Alcoholism
    • Autism
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Epilepsy
    • Schizophrenia
    • Insomnia
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Migraine
    • Phobia
  • Heart
    • Hypertension
    • Endocarditis
    • Coronary Heart Disease
    • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    • Arrhythmia
    • Angina
    • Enlarged heart
    • Pericarditis
    • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
    • Peripheral Arterial Disease
    • Ventricular Septal Defect
    • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
  • Kidney & URO
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Diabetic Nephropathy
    • Urinary Tract Infection
    • Prostatitis
    • Urinary Incontinence
    • Enlarged Prostate
    • Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
    • Kidney Stones
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Cystitis
  • Eye
    • Myopia
    • Glaucoma
    • Dry Eyes
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Cataracts
    • Color Blindness
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Diabetic Retinopathy
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Keratoconus
  • Skin
    • Shingles
    • Rosacea
    • Eczema
    • Vitiligo
    • Psoriasis
    • Scabies
    • Acne
    • Dandruff
  • OBS/GYN
    • Uterine Fibroids
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    • Vaginitis
    • Endometriosis
    • Preeclampsia
    • Menstruation (Period)
    • Ovarian Cyst
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • GI Tract
    • Celiac Disease
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Achalasia
    • Diarrhea
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED)
    • Diverticulitis
    • Liver Cirrhosis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Constipation
    • Appendicitis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • Gallstones
    • Crohn’s Disease
  • Bones & Joints
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Bone Cyst
    • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
    • Sciatica
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)
    • Gout
    • Rickets in Children
    • Spinal Stenosis
  • Dental
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Dental Caries
    • Bad Breath
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Dry Mouth
    • Supernumerary Teeth
    • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
    • Tooth Loss (Edentulism)
    • Impacted Tooth (Tooth Impaction)
  • Others
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Rhinitis
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    • Thalassemia
    • Hepatitis
    • Sinusitis
    • Acromegaly
    • Health and Wellness
    • Achondroplasia
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Asthma
    • Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Tuberculosis
DiseaseFix – World's Largest Disease Information Center
Home » Diseases and Conditions » Cancer » Lung Cancer » What Does Lung Cancer Look Like on an X-ray?

What Does Lung Cancer Look Like on an X-ray?

Neha MittalBy Neha MittalUpdated:April 20, 20214 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
Contents Hide
1 Lung cancer chest Xray films
2 What does lung cancer look like on an x ray?
3 Is a Chest X-Ray enough to diagnose the lung cancer?
4 When do X-rays miss the lung cancer: Missed diagnoses
5 Can your doctor use chest X-Rays to screen for lung cancer?
6 What can you do to avoid a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of lung cancer?
lung cancer look like on an x ray

Lung cancer chest Xray films

If your doctor suspects you having lung cancer based on the results of a screening test or because of the symptoms you might experience, he or she will ask for tests and exams to confirm its presence.

Chest X-ray is often the first test your doctor will do if you experience symptoms that match the signs of lung cancer. X-rays of your chest can be done at imaging centers, hospitals, or even in some doctors’ settings. Sometimes, your doctor may ask for more tests if the X-ray does not clarify completely.

What does lung cancer look like on an x ray?

Chest x-rays are generally difficult to read. Chest x-rays do not have fixed marks telling you that the object is certainly present somewhere in the image. Reading of the chest x-rays, particularly for those people who do not have clear symptoms for the lung cancer, is even more difficult.

The chances are that an object (such as a tumor) is not visible and will never be found in the X-ray films.

Sometimes, the cancer may appear as a large rounded mass filling in the lung. Whenever there is an abnormal area of shadowing (indicative of increased density/whiteness) in the lungs, the diagnosis of infection or cancer is considered as the likely cause.

The presence of a pleural effusion also does not help in identifying whether an area of abnormal shadowing is due to infection or cancer as both can cause effusions.

Sometimes, an area of air-space shadowing may be noted. This can also be due to either infection or cancer. The X-ray cannot differentiate between the two.

But it is generally the clinical information which determines the diagnosis rather than the chest X-ray.

Is a Chest X-Ray enough to diagnose the lung cancer?

The answer to this question is a clear ‘No’.  Though it is important to get an X-ray bit it does not provide a clear picture of what causes the problem. If you have symptoms of lung cancer or if you are at high risk for lung cancer, a chest x-ray cannot completely eliminate the chances that you have lung cancer.

When do X-rays miss the lung cancer: Missed diagnoses

There are high chances of a missed diagnosis. One of the most frequent causes of a missed diagnosis of the lung cancer in an X ray is that a radiologist is generally not able to compare new films to the previously taken films. If it could be made possible, multiple illustrations present at the same time can allow the radiologist to compare them which can lower the risk of missing a cancer.

There are certain situations in which a tumor can be missed on a chest x-ray. Situations include such as:

  • Cancers in certain parts of the lungs are more difficult to be visualized and are more likely to be missed.
  • Dense structures such as bone can hide small cancers.
  • Cancers in the periphery of the lungs (such as lung adenocarcinoma) are relatively easily missed than those that occur centrally near the large airways (such as small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs).
  • Tumors that are smaller than 1.5 centimeters are more easily missed than larger cancers.
  • Tumors that have a “ground glass appearance” are likely to remain unseen.

Can your doctor use chest X-Rays to screen for lung cancer?

As discussed above, chest x-rays aren’t enough to rule out the lung cancer for those who have symptoms. They are not effective in screening for lung cancer too.

Some doctors may still want to get chest x-rays done for people who are at high risk, but one should to understand that x-rays cannot differentiate clearly among several conditions such as from the infection of lung etc.

What can you do to avoid a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of lung cancer?

The experience of a missed diagnosis of lung cancer on a chest X-ray can be quite frightening. There are ways you can consider to decrease the risk of missed diagnosis.

CT screening can decrease the risk of death from lung cancer among those who have risk factors. But note that even a CT scan can miss some lung cancers. Testing may further be needed even after a CT scan is done.

Make sure you disclose your past X-ray films to your doctor if you have any. This will help in comparison of the states. Ignoring to compare new chest x-rays to an old one is the major cause of missed diagnoses.

Neha Mittal
  • LinkedIn

Neha Mittal completed graduation in Biotechnology from Graphics Era University, Dehradun and Masters in Biotechnology from Amity University, Noida. In the past, she worked with Sharon Biomedicine Ltd., DUKES Products Ltd., and Forest Research Institute, Dehradun as researcher in biotechnology. Neha loves singing and dancing in leisure time. She also enjoys traveling and maintains a collection of great novels.

Related Posts

Asbestos Exposure – The Risks and The Consequences

December 9, 2022

Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in India

August 20, 2022

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10) and Air Quality

April 23, 2021

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Don't Miss
Bulimia Nervosa

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

By Vishakha Yadav3 Mins Read

Bulimia is characterized by repetitive episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. Physical symptoms may include weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, and electrolyte imbalances. Psychological symptoms may include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and distorted body image.

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023

Treatment Options for Gonorrhea

January 27, 2023
Latest Posts

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia

January 28, 2023

The Impact of Gonorrhea on Reproductive and Overall Health

January 28, 2023

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

January 27, 2023

Treatment Options for Gonorrhea

January 27, 2023

Why Is My Pee Burning? 5 Reasons Urination Can Be Painful

January 25, 2023
About Us
About Us

DiseaseFix is primarily known as an online publisher of disease-centric medical information related to human health and well-being. The information is published as disease modules accessible to users from across the world free of cost.

Email Us: contact@diseasefix.com

Our Picks

Moving Forward After Breast Cancer Surgery

December 30, 2022

Five Things Patients Experience Immediately After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

April 23, 2021

Real Life Experiences About Coping With Cancer

April 22, 2021
Company

Disease Index

About Us

Our Team

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Contact Us

Write For Us

 

Facebook Twitter YouTube
© 2023 Diseasefix. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.