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).
Many conditions can be revealed by the chest X-ray.
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Lung Cancer |
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Pneumonia |
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Haemothorax (blood in the chest cavity)
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Cardiac Enlargement (a finding that accompanies
many forms of heart disease) |
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Pleural Effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)
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Congestive Heart Failure |
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Pneumoconiosis (e.g. “coal miner’s
lung,” “black lung”)
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Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm |
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Rib Fracture |
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Clavicle Fracture |
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Thoracic Spine Fracture (compression fractures)
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Lung Abscess |
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Aspiration Pneumonia |
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Emphysema |
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Pneumothorax |
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Tuberculosis |
Remember …
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Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.
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Tell your doctor if you have had prior chest
surgery. |
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Tell your doctor of any known lung abnormalities
on previous chest films. |
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Tell your doctor when your last chest X-ray
was taken. |
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Two different views will probably be taken
of the chest as part of the routine study.
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