HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can X-ray Detect Nodules In The Lungs?

I have some type of respiratory virus or illness for the past month. I've taken some antibiotics, which didn't seem to make too much of a change --- not really coughing up anything. I've had no appetite for the last couple of weeks, losing about 10 lbs. I've been eating some chicken brother and crackers to give me nutrition but no sign of an appetite. My mother contracted the mycobacterial disease and they found nodules in her lungs. She was in her mid-80s and wasn't able to tolerate the antibiotics and died weighing about 75 lbs. She may have contracted the virus when she visited me in Arizona, where the virus is known to exist (lived here 30 years).
X-rays of my lungs showed them to be "clear," but would X-rays detect nodules in lungs? I'm also looking into whether my thyroid may not be functioning correctly as I had radiation for adnoids as an infant and have had a lot of dental X-rays in the past few years.
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
Report Abuse
Radiologist 's  Response
Hello
Thanks for writing to HCM

Nodules in X-rays can be missed if it is small in size.
HRCT of thorax is ideal to detect nodules in lungs.HRCT is also required for characterization of nodules.
If nodules are doubtful of cancer then contrast CT Scan of thorax should be done.
If you are doubtful about thyroid status then TSH & free T4 can be done.If needed you can consult endocrinologist and further investigations can be done.
Hope i have answered your query.

Take Care
Dr.Indu Bhushan
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Radiation


Loading Online Doctors....
Can X-ray Detect Nodules In The Lungs?

Hello Thanks for writing to HCM Nodules in X-rays can be missed if it is small in size. HRCT of thorax is ideal to detect nodules in lungs.HRCT is also required for characterization of nodules. If nodules are doubtful of cancer then contrast CT Scan of thorax should be done. If you are doubtful about thyroid status then TSH & free T4 can be done.If needed you can consult endocrinologist and further investigations can be done. Hope i have answered your query. Take Care Dr.Indu Bhushan