Question 1

what can cause dark spots on a chest x-ray? there are several black spots on my chest x-rays. i thought tumors where white, so what could these be?

Accepted Answer

The : The first thing to know about a chest x-ray is that dark things represent air or fat, which white things represent fluid, tissue, and bone.  Therefore, "dark spots" on a chest film, especially if they are in the lungs, most likely represent holes.  Lungs with a lot of disease--especially in smokers--can develop large cavities called bullae. Dark spots in the ribs or the bones of the spine and shoulders may represent destructive processes like infection or tumor.

When people talk about "spots" on a chest film they're usually talking about white spots. White spots in the lungs can be caused by pneumonia or other infections, areas of partial lung collapse, or tumors.  Extremely white spots can represent calcium deposits, as are often present iin the arteries of people with vascular disease and in the lining of the chest wall in people with asbestos exposure..

Chest films can be some of the most challenging xrays to read, because just about every disease out there causes some kind of abnormality in the chest. The list of differential diagnoses (that is, the possible causes of an abnormality) is very long.

Question 2

i had a chest x-ray 1yr ago for my ra (required for meds) and it was clean. now when i went back my doctor said she saw some dark spots? what can itbe

Accepted Answer

Impossible to say: It is impossible to say without being able to review the films. Have doctor order a CT scan of the chest for a clearer idea in these spots have any significance.

Question 3

i have a chest x-ray with me and radiologist told me that i have a calcified focus in right apex. is there any way that we can remove that spot?

Accepted Answer

Monitor only: There is a good chance this is an inactive process that needs only occasional monitoring. Removal of such a focus would entail excision of the involved lung segment and the potential for significant complications and scarring. Not a good plan.

Question 4

what can cause spots on a chest x-ray besides cancer?

Accepted Answer

Many sources...: Many medical conditions can cause spots to form on lungs.  The most common in the US include prior tuberculosis infection and/or prior histoplasmosis infection (a fungal infection).  These spots may be called "nodules" by your doctor.  If they are small (less than 8 mm) they may be followed over time with repeat/serial scans of the chest.  If in 2 years they do not change they are benign.

Question 5

what do these spots on a rib in chest x-ray could mean? (my mother have bronchitis and rheumatoid polyarthritis)

Accepted Answer

Further evaluation : If your mother is taking immunosuppressive medications, malignancy and infection should be ruled out. Please see a Pulmonologist.

Question 6

i had a chest x-ray today and there is a dark black circle no more than 9mm on it. what could it be. it's in my left lung. but very noticeable.

Accepted Answer

More tests needed: Although this could be an early warning sign of cancer it could also be a benign mass or due to an infection. You should have this followed up with more tests. Please work together with your primary care physician and radiologist to get to the bottom of what this black circle is.

Question 7

my  chest and back hurts  when  i  cough due to chest congestion .  does this warrant a chest x-ray  to rule out pneumonia .  dark green mucus.?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It warrants an evaluation by a physician as these symptoms are consistent with pneumonia but not specific to it. Whether a chest xray is needed depends on additional info, other symptoms, fever, physical exam findings etc.

Question 8

the veins in my hands, arms and feet are becoming darker and protruding more. chest x-ray/blood work/endoscopy were normal. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No: Prominent veins are not a cause for concern. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex. 
Get HPV vaccine.

Question 9

is chest x-ray 2x a week harmful?

Accepted Answer

Not if needed: The radiation dose from a chest x-ray is relatively low with modern equipment. If there is a medical indication for that type of frequent follow-up then the small risk of the radiation is felt to be justified. What is being checked to often?

Question 10

how can i read and interpret chest x-ray?

Accepted Answer

Medical school: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, an internship, 4 years of Radiology residency and possibly a fellowship.

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Doctor answers about:

Dark spot on chest x ray

A member asked:

What can cause dark spots on a chest x-ray? there are several black spots on my chest x-rays. i thought tumors where white, so what could these be?

A member asked:

I had a chest x-ray 1yr ago for my ra (required for meds) and it was clean. now when i went back my doctor said she saw some dark spots? what can itbe

A member asked:

I have a chest x-ray with me and radiologist told me that i have a calcified focus in right apex. is there any way that we can remove that spot?

A member asked:

What can cause spots on a chest x-ray besides cancer?

A member asked:

What do these spots on a rib in chest x-ray could mean? (my mother have bronchitis and rheumatoid polyarthritis)

A member asked:

I had a chest x-ray today and there is a dark black circle no more than 9mm on it. what could it be. it's in my left lung. but very noticeable.

A member asked:

My chest and back hurts when i cough due to chest congestion . does this warrant a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia . dark green mucus.?

A member asked:

The veins in my hands, arms and feet are becoming darker and protruding more. chest x-ray/blood work/endoscopy were normal. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Is chest x-ray 2x a week harmful?

A member asked:

How can i read and interpret chest x-ray?

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