Question 1

could lung cancer (of any type) not show up on an x-ray after 14 months of symptoms?
theoritical question not for diag.)

Accepted Answer

Yes: Especially, adenocarcinomas in the apex can be very small and hide behind other structures.

Question 2

if one had lung cancer symptoms. would it show on an x-ray and bloods. ?

Accepted Answer

Hmm: May show on a chest x ray but usually not if very early (remember x rays are not good screening tests for lung cancer). Less likely to show in lab work except in advanced cases in which elevations of bone or liver enzymes or electrolyte disbalances can be seen.  A ct is more likely to see it. Best to you.

Question 3

if i have chest pain and my x-ray was clear do i need to worry about lung cancer why would a tumor not show?

Accepted Answer

The sensitivity: of a chest xray for detecting lung cancer ranges from about 40-80% according to various studies.  A chest xray is a 2D representation of a 3D structure with good spatial resolution and relatively poor contrast resolution. Small tumors and tumors located in front of, or behind, normal structures may not be visible. If lung Ca is a realistic concern, Chest CT is the study of choice.

Question 4

if your having chest pain and worried about lung cancer wouldn't the tumor be big enough to show on a x-ray if having pain?

Accepted Answer

Maybe,: but if you're having chest pain, cancer is not high on the list of potential causes.  If your pain is acute, consider going to the ER for evaluation.

Question 5

could an x-ray of broken ribs also show up early lung diseases such as lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

X ray : Ct scan will most likely pick up cancer. 
Chest x ray may  show a large tumor.

Question 6

if lung cancer were advanced enough to start causing shortness of breath, is it likely that it would show up on x-ray in some form?

Accepted Answer

May or may not: Shortness of breath may be explained by metastatic spread, but most of the time is related to conditions related to the cancer, such as clots in the lungs or malignant fluid among others.

Question 7

have a continual cough.  meds have been ruled out, x-ray shows an enlarged heart but no chf.  history of lung cancer in family.?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac evaluation: A "family history" of lung cancer often means multiple family members smoked. At least on chest x-ray (cxr) there doesn't sound like evidence of lung cancer. However, the heart is abnormal. I'm not sure how congestive heart failure (CHF) has been ruled out. Need ct chest possibly, echocardiogram, bnp, and cardiologist evaluation. In some cases a heart biopsy is done.

Question 8

34yr old male, never smoked. intermittent sob, 2 docs say lungs sound normal, x-ray results show normal lungs. sometimes feel tightness in chest/throat. worse after exercise, but resolves with inhaler.  lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Extremely unlikely: SOB that is worse after exercise and relieved with inhalers is likely due to asthma- or "reactive airway disease."

Question 9

evening dr my husband im suspecting his got lung cancer we just waiting on results cause the x rays shows some lumps in the right lung. what can i do in this situation and his complaining about headache and his surviving on pills.

Accepted Answer

Xray: Don't presume the worst. Stay calm and wait for the results. Encourage your husband to think positive. Good Luck

Question 10

what does lung cancer look like on an x-ray?

Accepted Answer

It varies: It can be a mass, or unusual calcifications, or an unusual "infiltrate" on a chest x-ray.  In other words, it can have many different appearances.  A chest x-ray is a great tool, but it takes skill to interpret.  I do not recommend you try to interpret your films, but your doc can review it with you to give insights.

Hope this helps.

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Doctor answers about:

Does lung cancer show on x ray

A member asked:

Could lung cancer (of any type) not show up on an x-ray after 14 months of symptoms? theoritical question not for diag.)

A member asked:

If one had lung cancer symptoms. would it show on an x-ray and bloods. ?

A member asked:

If i have chest pain and my x-ray was clear do i need to worry about lung cancer why would a tumor not show?

A member asked:

If your having chest pain and worried about lung cancer wouldn't the tumor be big enough to show on a x-ray if having pain?

A member asked:

Could an x-ray of broken ribs also show up early lung diseases such as lung cancer?

A member asked:

If lung cancer were advanced enough to start causing shortness of breath, is it likely that it would show up on x-ray in some form?

A member asked:

Have a continual cough. meds have been ruled out, x-ray shows an enlarged heart but no chf. history of lung cancer in family.?

A member asked:

34yr old male, never smoked. intermittent sob, 2 docs say lungs sound normal, x-ray results show normal lungs. sometimes feel tightness in chest/throat. worse after exercise, but resolves with inhaler. lung cancer?

A member asked:

Evening dr my husband im suspecting his got lung cancer we just waiting on results cause the x rays shows some lumps in the right lung. what can i do in this situation and his complaining about headache and his surviving on pills.

A member asked:

What does lung cancer look like on an x-ray?

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