Chest X-ray
The chest X-ray is the most frequently performed X-ray. A large number of diagnoses may be made from this test. Bony structures, blood vessels, lungs, pleural spaces, and the heart can be seen on this film. The chest X-ray is often used as a general screening examination because it yields a considerable amount of information. In addition, the patient is exposed to relatively low radiation compared to other diagnostic X-ray studies.
Chest X-rays are performed on patients with any history for cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or employment related exposures (e.g. asbestos).
Conditions revealed by Chest X-rays:
- Lung Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Haemothorax (blood in the chest cavity)
- Cardiac Enlargement (a finding that accompanies many forms of heart disease)
- Pleural Effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Pneumoconiosis (e.g. “coal miner’s lung,” “black lung”)
- Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm
- Rib Fracture
- Clavicle Fracture
- Thoracic Spine Fracture (compression fractures)
- Lung Abscess
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Pneumothorax
- Tuberculosis
Remember
- Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you have had prior chest surgery.
- Tell your doctor of any known lung abnormalities on previous chest films.
- Tell your doctor when your last chest X-ray was taken.
- Two different views will probably be taken of the chest as part of the routine study.