I'm 42 non smoker have had chest discomfort. if your having symptoms of lung cancer would the tumor be big enough to be seen on a xray?

Lung tumors: generally are symptomatic only when the reach a size picked up by ROUTINE chest x ray THAT's PRECISELY WHY regular chest films are NOT a great tool for early Diagnosis of lung cancer! Lung CT scan with CONTRAST is THE most effective x ray exam for this purpose! Hope this helps Dr Z

The sensitivity: of a chest xray for detecting lung cancer ranges from about 40-80% according to various studies. A chest x-ray is not sufficient to rule out lung cancer, sometimes even larger tumors can be masked due to their location next to normal structures. If lung Ca is a realistic concern, Chest CT is the study of choice.

Chest discomfort: Chest discomfort most often is due to muscle strain, a recent virus or even gas: what is your diet like? Some tumors can be seen on an X-ray. Any night sweats or loss of weight?

The sensitivity: of a chest xray for detecting lung cancer ranges from about 40-80% according to various studies. A chest x-ray is not sufficient to rule out lung cancer, sometimes even larger tumors can be masked due to their location next to normal structures. If lung Ca is a realistic concern, Chest CT is the study of choice.