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X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that can
be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light,
however, X-rays can pass through many objects, including the human body. When
X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they produce a picture. Dense
tissues in the body, such as bones, block (absorb) many of the X-rays and
appear white on an X-ray picture. More X-rays pass through less dense tissues,
such as muscles and organs, which appear in shades of gray. X-rays that pass
only through air, such as X-rays of the lungs or colon, appear black.
The chest X-ray is the most common type of X-ray test. It provides
a picture of organs and structures within the chest, including the
heart and
lungs, the blood vessels of the chest, and the thin
sheet of muscle just below the lungs (diaphragm).
A chest X-ray can help detect problems with these structures and
with the bones inside the chest, such as the
ribs,
collarbone, and upper part of the
spine. However, a chest X-ray may not provide all the
information needed to determine the cause of a problem. If a chest X-ray is
abnormal, more specific X-rays or other tests may be needed.
Chest X-Ray Results
In an emergency, the results of a chest X-ray can be available
within a few minutes. Otherwise, results are usually ready within a day.
Normal:
The lungs are normal in size and shape, and the lung tissue
appears normal. No growths or other masses can be seen within the lungs. There
is no fluid collected around the lungs.
The heart is normal in size and shape. The blood vessels
leading to and from the heart are normal in size and shape.
There are no broken bones (such as a broken rib), and the
spine appears normal.
The diaphragm is normal in shape and location.
No unusual growths, abnormal pockets of fluid or air, or
foreign objects are seen.
Abnormal:
The shape, density, or size of a lung may be abnormal (due
to a condition such as
pneumonia,
emphysema, or
pneumothorax). Nodules that indicate a past or present
tuberculosis infection or an abnormal growth (such as
a tumor) may be seen in the lung. Fluid may be seen around the lungs (pleural
effusion).
The size and shape of the heart may be abnormal (due to a
condition such as
heart failure,
pericardial effusion, or
cardiomyopathy). An
aneurysm may be present in the blood vessel leading
from the heart (aorta), or the shape of the aorta may be abnormal.
A rib or other bone (such as the breastbone or bones of the
upper spine) may be broken or have an abnormal appearance.
The diaphragm may have an abnormal shape, appear flattened,
or may be abnormally elevated in the chest.
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