It also essentially eliminates the possibility of lost X-rays and speeds up the interpretation of X-rays, and the communication between doctors about the results. The doctor can look at the images on the screen, interpret the results, and comment on the computer all within minutes after the images were taken.Īdditionally, this technology allows for the ability to easily look at any previous images taken from the same patient. The images, once taken and developed, are uploaded into a computer with special software that enables digital images to be viewed on a computer screen. This advanced technology has eliminated the need for the actual physical films to be used and placed on a lightbox for interpretation. More recently, newer technology has replaced this old reading technique in many health care facilities and radiology offices. This usually consisted of a fluorescent light source placed in a metal box and covered by white plastic. In the past, the doctors interpreting the films placed the films in front of a source of light for better visualization of the shadows on the chest X-ray. Once all the films have been reviewed by the radiologist, a report is generated which is transmitted to the ordering practitioner. After the radiologist reviews the chest X-ray, occasionally further images or angles may be necessary. After the films are produced by the technician they are developed and reviewed by the radiologist for interpretation. SLIDESHOW Health Screening Tests Every Woman Needs See SlideshowĪ radiologist is a physician specially trained to interpret images of the body produced on films. After the chest X-ray is taken and recorded on the X-ray film, the film is placed into a developing machine, and this picture (which is essentially a photographic negative) is examined and interpreted by the radiologist. The radiology technologist or technician is a trained, certified assistant to the radiologist who will help the patient during the X-ray and perform the X-ray test procedure. Occasionally, different angles are added for the radiologist to interpret certain specific areas of the chest. The view from the side is called a lateral chest X-ray. The chest X-ray procedure often involves a view from the back to the front of the body as well as a view from the side. Patients may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it during the chest X-ray to inflate the lungs to their maximum, which increases the visibility of different tissues within the chest. These objects can block X-ray penetration, making the result less accurate. Patients obtaining a chest X-ray will often be requested to use an X-ray gown, and extra metallic objects such as jewelry are removed from the chest and/or neck areas. More common presentations include chest pain, dyspnoea and unexplained systemic symptoms.How is the chest X-ray procedure performed? Approximately 80 to 90% of people with mesothelioma will have a history of occupational or close contact exposure. In people with a history of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, as well as lung cancer, should be considered. If the chest X-ray is normal but there is a high suspicion of lung cancer, people should be offered urgent suspicion of cancer referral to a respiratory physician. However, a normal chest X-ray does not exclude a diagnosis of lung cancer. In most cases where lung cancer is suspected, it is appropriate to arrange an urgent chest X-ray before urgent referral to a chest physician. It is therefore important that changes in symptoms are identified and acted upon.Ĭhest X-ray findings are abnormal in over 96% of symptomatic people with lung cancer. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. The image on the right shows a mass in the right lung. Many symptoms of lung cancer (particularly cough and fatigue), however, are common presentations in primary care, often associated with chronic diseases such as gastric reflux or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A chest X-ray helps detect problems with your heart and lungs. More than 90% of people with lung cancer are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
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