RADIATION SIGNS OF LUNG

TUMORS
(RADIATION DIAGNOSTICS)
PRESENTED BY
LATIF EHTESHAM
DEFINITION:

Radiology is the medical specialty that

employs the use of imaging to both diagnose
and treat disease visualized within the human
body
Radiologists use an array of imaging
technologies
it also uses some techniques that do not
acquire radiation devices.
Rays used for Medical purposes
Ionising radiation is used in medicine in 3
ways: diagnostic radiology, which uses x-ray
machines to obtain images of the inside of the
patient's body. nuclear medicine, which uses
radioactive substances introduced into the
patient for diagnosis or treatment.
Medical applications of radiations
Radiations can be used in the Diagnosis and
treatment of many diseases such as:
 Hyperthyroidism
 Thyroid cancer
 Lymphomas
 Bone pain from some types of cancers
 Diagnosis of lung cancer
Introduction to lung cancer:
Carcinoma of the bronchus is the most
common malignancy in the Western world. It
is also the leading cause of cancer-related
death accounting for 32% of all cancer deaths
in males and 25% in females. Despite this, lung
cancer has an overall prognosis so dismal that
incidence exceeds prevalence.
Lung Cancer physical characteristics:

• Cough that doesn’t go away

• Shortness of breath
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• Loosing weight without trying
• Headache
Radiological imaging is essential for the management
of patients affected by lung cancer.

• Chest x-ray (CXR) is the first investigation performed

during the workup of suspected lung cancer. In the
absence of a rib erosion, CXR cannot distinguish
between benign and malignant masses, therefore
computed tomography (CT) with contrast
enhancement should be performed in order to
obtain a correct staging. Magnetic resonance
imaging of the chest is considered a secondary
approach as the respiratory movement affects the
overall results.
Chest X-ray shows the prominence of left
hilum and LUL nodular opacity. 
BASELINE RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
CHEST X-RAY

• Chest x-ray (CXR) is the first investigation performed

during the workup of suspected lung cancer. It has found
extensive use in the past for widespread availability,
technical feasibility, low risk and low cost. Once a
suspicious lesion is detected, more detailed
morphological information is required. Lung tumors may
present as central or peripheral masses, even those of
the in situ adenocarcinoma that may present as an area
of chronic air space disease.
The central neoplasm may have hilar lymph
node enlargement, mediastinal invasion or
bronchial obstruction, with partial or total
lung collapse; a parenchymal consolidation or
super-infection may exist, which may mask or
be the first sign of a possible underlying
neoplasm.
Benign and malignant tumors
CXR cannot distinguish between benign or
malignant masses. It can detect the presence
of pleural effusions, but even this does not
allow determining the benign or malignant
nature of the lesion.
X ray is not final
When the CXR raises the suspicion for
malignancy, CT with contrast should be
performed for complete staging. CT assists in
finding abnormalities, highlights signs of
disease within the lungs from symptoms like
cough, chest pain and fever.