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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Chest Xray and Lung question
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Chest Xray and Lung question
by Karen03, Mar 07, 2003 12:00AM
Hello
I am an ex smoker of almost a year now. I smoked about 15 yrs. I have always worried about the damage I have done but know that I cannot turn back time so I try to just be happy I quit and move ahead.
I have had 3 chest xrays over the past year ( I have a herniation in 2 areas so I've had back and chest xrays). I was always pleased to read that "lungs appear clear" yet in my non-smoking group (QuitNet) someone said I shouldn't be happy about that because only a cat scan of the lungs will show tumors not chest xrays.
Is this true? Is a chest xray not accurate?
Karen
I am an ex smoker of almost a year now. I smoked about 15 yrs. I have always worried about the damage I have done but know that I cannot turn back time so I try to just be happy I quit and move ahead.
I have had 3 chest xrays over the past year ( I have a herniation in 2 areas so I've had back and chest xrays). I was always pleased to read that "lungs appear clear" yet in my non-smoking group (QuitNet) someone said I shouldn't be happy about that because only a cat scan of the lungs will show tumors not chest xrays.
Is this true? Is a chest xray not accurate?
Karen
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 20, 2003 12:00AM
, Apr 20, 2003 12:00AM
You should be “pleased to read that “lungs appear clear…”, indicating that your chest x-rays have shown no sign of tumor. Most lung tumors are diagnosed by chest x-ray. A chest CT scan shows more detail than a plain chest x-ray. Since a CT scan is more sensitive it allows for detection of lung tumors at an earlier stage in their growth. Sputum cytology is another way to detect tumors early, sometimes even before they are visible on a CT scan. Sputum or mucus that is coughed up from the lungs is examined for tumor cells.
The best way to uncover a breathing problem before it may show up on a chest x-ray is with breathing tests. Spirometry is a simple breathing test. It measures how your lungs are working. Pulmonary function tests are a variety of breathing tests that provide detailed information about how your lungs are working. With these breathing tests it may be possible to find a lung problem before you are having symptoms.
The best way to uncover a breathing problem before it may show up on a chest x-ray is with breathing tests. Spirometry is a simple breathing test. It measures how your lungs are working. Pulmonary function tests are a variety of breathing tests that provide detailed information about how your lungs are working. With these breathing tests it may be possible to find a lung problem before you are having symptoms.
Keep on it, mostly to ease your mind because that can make you sick as well with worrying so much. Good luck to you.