Can an x ray show lung cancer?

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Lung cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the lungs. When lung cancer is suspected in a patient, doctors may run several tests to help diagnose the condition. One of these may be an X-ray.

Identification

A chest X-ray may be recommended if a patient is thought to have lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent new cough, wheezing and hoarseness, changes in a smoker's cough, coughing up any amount of blood, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, unintentional weight loss, pain in bones and headache, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Function

When an X-ray is performed on the chest, doctors may notice an abnormal mass or nodule on the lungs which may indicate lung cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Features

While a chest X-ray may help diagnose lung cancer, a CT (computed tomography) scan may be necessary to detect smaller areas of concern not found on an X-ray, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Types

Other tests that may be performed to diagnose lung cancer include a bone scan, complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography) scan, tests on sputum to look for cancer cells, and thoracentesis, which tests fluid from around the lungs, according to Medline Plus.

Considerations

Some doctors may recommend an X-ray as a form of screening test for lung cancer, while other doctors believing that screening for lung cancer is not beneficial, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Lung Cancer: Symptoms

Mayo Clinic: Lung Cancer: Tests and Diagnosis

Medline Plus: Lung Cancer - Small Cell

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Can an x ray show lung cancer?

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