Is a chest x-ray sufficient to rule out a lung mass as the cause of chest, shoulder and arm pain or should further studies be pursued?

Xray can't see all: A mass large enough to cause chest pain is not likely to be missed on a properly done xray, but some very small ones at the edgesof lungs/chest wall can cause pain and not be seen on an xray. A thorough history and physical exam can help teasing musculoskeletal pain which is not visible on the xray--muscle/tendon strain or ligament sprain cannot be seen. Consult your doc. Good luck.

Possibly: If large enough mass, will probably see on chest x-ray. However, there are sometimes lung masses that are not visible on chest x ray that require chest ct to be seen.