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Chest x-ray

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray
Aortic rupture, chest X-ray
Lung cancer, frontal chest X-ray
Lung cancer, frontal chest X-ray
Adenocarcinoma - chest X-ray
Adenocarcinoma - chest X-ray
Coal worker's lungs - chest X-ray
Coal worker's lungs - chest X-ray
Coccidioidomycosis - chest X-ray
Coccidioidomycosis - chest X-ray
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated #2
Tuberculosis, advanced - chest X-rays
Tuberculosis, advanced - chest X-rays
Pulmonary nodule - front view chest X-ray
Pulmonary nodule - front view chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray
Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray
Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray
Bronchial cancer - chest X-ray
Bronchial cancer - chest X-ray
Lung nodule, right middle lobe - chest X-ray
Lung nodule, right middle lobe - chest X-ray
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray
Lung nodule - front view chest X-ray
Lung nodule - front view chest X-ray

Alternative Names    Return to top

Chest radiography; Serial chest x-ray; X-ray - chest

Definition    Return to top

A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. Two views are usually taken: one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from the back (posterior-anterior view), and one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from one side to the other (lateral view). You stand in front of the machine and must hold your breath when the x-ray is taken.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Chest x-rays are generally avoided during the first six months of pregnancy. You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

There is no discomfort. The film plate may feel cold.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

Your doctor may order a chest x-ray if you have any of the following symptoms:

It may also be done if you have signs of tuberculosis, lung cancer, or other chest or lung disease.

A serial chest x-ray (repeated) may be used to evaluate or monitor changes found on a previous chest x-ray.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

In the lungs:

In the heart:

In the bones:

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Risks    Return to top

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

Update Date: 8/10/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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