Hilar infiltrate on chest x-ray

[koalajenn]

My fiance had a chest x-ray done 2 days ago, because he had broncitis. The x-ray showed that he had a "hilar infiltrate on the lung. What does that mean? We are very upset, and afraid he may have cancer, and he's only 27 yrs. old. He is making a follow up appt. with a Pulminologist this week, but we would like to know more information in the mean time. Thanks for your help. Jennifer

[HeinrikMD]

A hilar infiltrate refers to an localized area that appears opaque. There are a number of reasons for this. Looking at the history of bronchitis, the area was probably the site of infection. Of course, there are other causes aside from infection, and cancer is indeed among them. Cancers tend to form nodules more than diffuse areas.

The Pulmonologist will discuss risk factors for infections and cancer. An assessment as to whether there might be hidden nodules in the infiltrate would be made. If his bronchitis has improved, you may discuss about repeating the X-Ray. This may take an interval of several weeks, as the image improves slower than the improvement in symptoms. While waiting may be hard on the nerves, a period of monitoring is also advised to patients who have clear nodules to gauge the nodule’s behavior. This scheme seems to work, balancing the benefit of early disease detection, against the harm of performing invasive procedures.