Can a chest X-ray detect lung cancer
Release time : 12/13/2024 15:19:31
Can thoracic radiography detect lung cancer? Many people have this doubt in their minds.
Chest X-ray, a diagnostic tool used to examine for pathological changes in the heart and lungs, can detect conditions such as tuberculosis. So, can chest X-rays detect lung cancer? Let's take a look at an expert's response to this question.
Can chest X-rays detect lung cancer? Many people believe that chest X-rays can detect lung cancer, but experts tell us that it is very difficult to detect lung cancer through chest X-rays.
Even annual routine check-ups, chest X-rays may not detect lung cancer.
This is because early-stage lung cancer shadows are relatively small, and routine chest X-rays only reveal obvious lesions. Some smaller lesions cannot be clearly seen.
Generally, individuals at high risk for lung cancer, aged 40 or older, who smoke regularly, and have a family history of tumors, are recommended to undergo low-dose spiral CT scans annually. The high resolution of spiral CT scans allows for the detection of even small crystals as small as 4 millimeters or less.
It is evident that we cannot rely solely on routine chest X-rays, even if they are part of the annual health check-ups organized by our unit. These tests may not detect lung cancer as a preventive screening; they are merely general health examinations.
However, when there are significant changes in the lungs, they can be detected.
Chest radiography can detect what diseases? Chest radiography is an effective method for diagnosing lung diseases, mainly using X-ray imaging to examine the body. Because human tissues have different densities and thicknesses, differences in X-ray absorption during the passage of X-ray through various tissues result in contrast images with black and white, which are diagnostically significant.
Based on the location and principle of chest X-ray examination, it primarily observes morphological changes in the lungs and heart to diagnose related diseases. For example, cardiac diseases will be reflected on the chest X-ray, and more examinations for lung diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and pleural effusion are conducted.
Through chest radiography, it is possible to diagnose congenital diseases of the lungs and trachea, such as developmental abnormalities, various types of pulmonary inflammation, acute and chronic bronchitis, more pronounced bronchiectasis, emphysema or pulmonary edema, all forms of tuberculosis, lung tumors, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, mediastinal tumors, cardiac morphology abnormalities, etc.
What situations require a chest X-ray? When there are significant discomforts in the chest, a chest X-ray can be performed under the advice of a doctor.
The radiation exposure from a chest X-ray is the highest among all radiographic examinations, equivalent to taking 10 chest X-rays.
Half an hour after a chest X-ray, an increase in chromosomal aberration rate and micronucleus rate due to erroneous repair of DNA damage caused by X-rays can be displayed.
Therefore, it is recommended to minimize or avoid chest X-ray examinations unless necessary.
If a chest X-ray examination is necessary, corresponding protective measures need to be taken.
Additionally, pregnant women and children should not undergo chest X-ray examinations. If necessary, a chest film may be used instead of a chest X-ray.
How much does a chest X-ray cost? The cost of a chest X-ray is relatively affordable, and the fees vary depending on the different hospital standards. However, it will not exceed 50 yuan.
If further chest radiography is required, the cost will be relatively higher.
This is because chest X-ray is relatively simple to operate and can only serve as a preliminary diagnosis for some diseases.
And chest X-ray is a further examination when lesions are seen during chest X-ray examination, providing doctors with diagnosis and treatment basis.
This is also why some individuals need to undergo further chest radiography after their last chest X-ray.
However, due to the relatively greater hazards of chest radiography, some hospitals have already discontinued this procedure in favor of using chest X-rays.
Is a chest X-ray required to fast? No, a chest X-ray is not required to be fasted.
Because chest X-rays utilize X-rays to create an image on a screen, the different tissues within the body are penetrated. This results in a three-dimensional concept being displayed on the screen. Whether you have eaten or not has no impact on this process.
The examination results are affected by only one factor: the examinee's clothing includes metal accessories or jewelry such as necklaces on the chest area.
These metal products will form an image on the screen through X-rays, which can lead to misinterpretation as a chest lump. Therefore, special attention should be paid to this matter.
The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
In the event of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on clinical examinations conducted by a physician in person.