X-ray examination of lung cancer

X-ray examination plays a very important role in the diagnosis and screening of lung cancer.

(1) X-ray signs of central lung cancer: ① Indirect signs: Early lung cancer occurring in larger bronchi can often cause varying degrees of airway stenosis, leading to a series of secondary changes, such as localized emphysema, obstructive pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary segment consolidation, abscesses, etc. ② Direct signs: When the tumor grows to a certain extent, direct images of the tumor can be seen on plain films, or on tomographic films and bronchial arm films at an early stage of the disease. Such as irregular thickening, stenosis, interruption or the presence of tumors in the bronchial wall. The edges of the mass are rough, sometimes lobed, and often coexist with atelectasis or obstructive pneumonia, forming the so-called "S"-shaped typical X-ray signs of lung cancer.

(2) X-ray signs of peripheral lung cancer: Early peripheral lung cancer is easier to detect on chest X-rays. The characteristics of the mass shadow are that the lesion has an irregular shape, is lobed, has notches or burrs (especially fine burrs or burrs of varying lengths), and is more certain when dynamic observation shows enlargement or the presence of hilar lymph node shadows. Peripheral lung cancer occurring in the segmental bronchus (i.e., middle segment lung cancer) can also manifest as obstructive inflammation or atelectasis of the lung segment. Cavities and lymph node metastasis are the same as those of the central type. It can often cause pleural effusion and invade the ribs.

(3) X-ray signs of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: The nodular type is manifested as an isolated spherical shadow, which cannot be distinguished from peripheral lung cancer. The infiltrative type is similar to the infiltrative consolidation of general pneumonia, with blurred outlines. Bronchography can show that the bronchi within the lesion area are narrowed and stiff, resembling dead branches. The extensive nodular type is the most common, manifested as small nodules or infiltrative lesions widely distributed in both lungs, which is quite similar to the hematogenous type.