Dense focal shadow in the lungs. Focal shadow in the lungs on x-ray

Abnormal X-rays are sometimes serious and sometimes not. One of the most concerning, yet all-too-common findings on a chest x-ray is what is called a lung shadow. Although we may assume that this means something serious, it is not really a diagnosis, but an observation of an abnormality that is not clearly defined and requires further investigation.

While certain distinctive patterns may indicate what it is, additional tests are needed before a definitive diagnosis can be made. After all, a shadow on a lung could mean something serious or mean nothing at all. Consider this the first step towards diagnosis.

Reading x-ray or scan

It can be helpful to think of radiology studies (which include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) as images in shades of black, white, and gray. Dense or hard structures such as bones, the heart, and large blood vessels appear white. In contrast, air-filled structures such as the lungs will appear black. Overlapping structures or anything in between will appear in grayscale.

X-ray scans are sometimes difficult to read because the structures overlap, and even if you find an abnormality, it may be difficult to determine what it is. While some abnormalities may be defined by structures such as a mass, nodule, or tumor, in other cases their appearance may not be as well defined. In this case, we can call them damage, stain or shadow.

Possible reasons

When the radiologist detects a shadow on the lung, the doctor will begin to investigate possible causes based on possible clues or symptoms. These may include medical history, family history, laboratory tests and factors such as smoking or exposure to occupational toxins.

Possible reasons include:

• Overlapping structures, such as organs and blood vessels, can be arranged in an image to create shadows.
• Broken ribs can sometimes be mistaken for a mass on an x-ray.
• Hiatal hernias (hernia of the stomach into the chest cavity) may appear as a subtle abnormality on a chest x-ray.
• Pneumonia is the air sacs of the lungs and often appears patchy or opaque on X-rays.
• Pleural effusion is the appearance of fluid in the layer between the lungs and the chest wall.
• Pulmonary edema is a condition associated with the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart disease.
• An aortic aneurysm (an enlargement of the heart's aorta) may cause a shadow on a chest x-ray.
• lung may appear as a shadow without a clearly defined nodule or mass.
• Benign tumors may also appear as a shadow or spot on an x-ray.
• is a bacterial infection of the lungs that often has no noticeable X-ray signs in the early stages of the disease.
• Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs that causes the development of granulomas (granular tissue).
• Pneumothorax, more commonly known as a collapsed lung, may cause abnormalities on x-ray around the area of ​​collapse.

X-ray may miss lung cancer

When we think of cancer, we often picture a mass and expect to see it on an X-ray. In many cases this simply does not happen. In fact, 12 to 30 percent of people with lung cancer will have completely normal X-rays at the time of diagnosis. A 2006 study also found that nearly 25 percent of chest X-rays performed on patients with lung cancer were still negative 12 months after diagnosis.

Tests when there are concerns about cancer

If there is a shadow on the X-ray and cancer is suspected, your doctor may order a battery of tests to better evaluate the cause. Among the options:

• A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of your lungs while scanning the entire chest area.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic waves to create images. It distinguishes soft tissue better than CT scanning and can determine whether cancer has spread beyond the lungs and chest wall.
• Positron emission tomography (PET scan) is an imaging test that shows the metabolic activity of a cell. Overactive cells, such as cancer cells, are more easily identified using this tool.
• Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a scope is inserted into the lungs for visual assessment.
• A lung biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample for evaluation. This can be done as part of a bronchoscopic procedure by inserting a needle into the chest cavity or through an open lung biopsy.

There are two important principles to pay attention to in these tests. Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are “structural” tests. They can tell us that an anomaly is present, but they can tell us little about what that anomaly might be. A PET scan, in contrast, is a “functional” test. Combined with CT scans, they not only tell us whether there is damage, but also whether it is actively growing. This becomes more important if a person has scars in their lungs from previous radiation therapy, a previous case of pneumonia, or even a previous fungal infection that they were unaware of (such as coccidioidomycosis and others).

Even when both structural and functional imaging tests are performed, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. In addition to a clear diagnosis, a biopsy can give doctors important information about both what is visible under the microscope and the molecular characteristics of the mass if it is a tumor.

A word from Human-Health

While a shadow on an x-ray may be distressing, you shouldn't throw down your guns and assume the worst. There can be many reasons, and in some cases it is just a remnant of a past infection that has long disappeared, or a partial coincidence of normal structures in the chest.

Discuss the cause with your doctor, and even if it's something serious like cancer, catching it early - when it's most treatable - is always a plus. Of course, most people who hear the word “shadow on the lung” are afraid of lung cancer. However, the public is less aware that lung cancer treatment is improving and survival rates are increasing. Even with advanced lung cancer, some of these tumors can now be controlled for long periods of time thanks to treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs.

Every Russian citizen knows that annual preventive medical examinations are a mandatory procedure. One of the most important examinations is one that allows you to detect various diseases in the early stages of their development. Alarm bells for doctors are pathological darkening of these organs.

Darkening in the photo of the lungs.

There are many reasons that lead to the occurrence of such darkening, therefore, to determine them as correctly as possible, experts do not disdain other examinations.

After all, certain darkening is just an indicator that inflammation (of any nature) is occurring in the body. Why does darkening appear in the picture? To answer this question you need to carefully study this topic.

Main Features

In most situations, pulmonary diseases are accompanied by the appearance of compactions. Such problems occur due to a decrease in diameter or blockage of air passages at specific locations on the surface of the lung, and radiologists see dark spots on the fluorogram.

Symptoms of this kind are confirmation of the occurrence or development of pathologies in the lungs themselves or surrounding cells.

Shadows indicating pulmonary diseases often have varying intensity, clarity and dimensions. Such areas are evidence of the following health problems:

• Inflammation and tissue compaction;
• nodular neoplasms (tumors);
• clogged air passages;
• development of tuberculosis processes;
• fluid filling of the lung pleura (the layer of membrane that covers and protects each organ in the sternum);
• inflammation of the pleura;
• pustular abscesses.

Fluorographic images often contain dark spots that appear due to defects of any organ behind the ribs. Such symptoms are confirmation of such problems:

1. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2. Tumors on the vertebrae/ribs.
3. Diseases of the esophagus, etc.

Types and description of dark spots

The type of pathological damage to the tissues of the respiratory system greatly influences the way the shadows are located, their dimensions and geometry. Based on this, all dark spots on fluorograms can be:

• Focal;
• formless;
• focal;
• liquid;
• segmental;
• share type.

Let us consider in detail each type of such shadows.

Focal shadows

This type of dark spots are small nodular areas up to 10 mm in size. Usually they manifest themselves in the event of any inflammation or problems with blood vessels. Such darkening is often a sign of the onset of the development of any pulmonary diseases.

Based on one fluorogram, it is impossible to determine exactly what the causes of the appearance of lesions and their nature are, so doctors always prescribe patients to additionally undergo a CT scan or radiography. It is also advisable to conduct laboratory tests, during which the indicators and content of mucous membranes, urine, etc. are examined.

In situations where, when focal darkening is detected, the patient has an elevated temperature, general malaise, headache, incessant coughing attacks, severe chest pain, there is a high probability of bronchopneumonia.

A focal shadow on an X-ray of the lungs, which indicates internal bleeding.

When the results of a blood test do not confirm the presence of any abnormalities, development is possible.

The main symptoms of this disease are decreased appetite, malaise, causeless dry cough, frequent irritability, severe pain in the sternum. If this diagnosis is suspected, doctors prescribe a series of studies.

Another common disease with focal darkening is pulmonary infarction, which manifests itself as thrombophlebitis in the legs, pathology of the heart muscle, etc. The last problem that can be discussed in the presence of a focal shadow on a fluorographic image is peripheral cancer.

Single cases of focal shadow on a fluorogram are round in shape, and their size often exceeds 10-12 mm. Such darkening in the lungs is considered a sign of inflammation, which manifests itself due to the occurrence of such diseases:

• Inflammation of the lung;
• local effusions (water channels in the lungs expand);
• eosinophilic infiltrates - this disease is accompanied by mechanical lesions of the lungs, bronchial asthma;
• abscesses.

Focal shadow in the photo.

One of the rarest reasons for the appearance of such shadows on fluorograms is the use of highly targeted, potent medications, the presence of acquired or congenital cysts that are filled with liquids/gases.

This type of darkening can also indicate problems with tumors:

• Benign (fibroma, adenoma, lipoma, hamartochondroma);
• malignant (metastasis, sarcoma).

Often, round dark spots confirm the presence of calluses, which are caused by rib fractures. Doctors must take this fact into account when deciphering film fluorograms.

Segmental spots

Dark spots on fluorograms can be distributed as separate segments of any diameter/shape (usually triangular). There can be up to 10 such dark spots on a lung, and doctors make a diagnosis of diseases based on a comprehensive examination. The appearance of single spots on the lung is usually considered a symptom of the following diseases:

• Endobronchial tumor;
• foreign bodies, mechanical damage to lung tissue.

In the case of clear viewing of several darkened areas on film fluorograms, we can talk about the following problems:

• Chronic pneumonia or acute form of this disease;
• tuberculous inflammation;
• centralized oncology;
• central bronchial constrictions;
• concentration of any fluids in one place of the pleural tissue;
• malignant metastases.

Shapeless spots

Fluorograms often contain darkened spots that are not shaped like other species. Usually their appearance is not similar to certain geometric shapes, and there are no clear boundaries of the shadows. In most cases, such lung pathologies confirm the symptoms of staphylococcal pneumonia. This problem can develop in the following forms:

1. Primary. This disease manifests itself in the presence of inflammation in the lung/bronchus.
2. Secondary. This form develops as a result of hematogenous infection from a purulent focus (due to osteomyelitis, adnexitis or other similar diseases). In the last decade, the secondary form of staphylococcal pneumonia has begun to spread much faster, so people must undergo fluorography every year in order to detect this disease at an early stage.

Dark spots of this kind can often occur due to edema of the lung tissue, pulmonary effusions of blood, tumor-like neoplasms, concentration of fluids inside the pleura in one place, and the presence of another disease that can be accurately determined using laboratory testing. In the case of such diseases, patients often have a fever, cough, malaise, and headaches.

Share shadows

In the case of lobar darkening in the lungs, their contours are clearly visible in fluorogram images. Usually they differ in shape by their convexity, concavity, straightness, etc. Lobar darkened spots usually confirm that people have any chronic pulmonary diseases, which are easily determined using computed tomography.

Most often, a lobar spot confirms the development of cirrhosis, bronchiectasis, and the appearance of a purulent cavity. Any of these pathologies in a CT image is very different from a cancerous tumor, so it is necessary to accurately determine malignant neoplasms only if a person has bronchial obstruction due to inflammatory or scar formations.

Darkened areas filled with liquids

The image shows fluid in the lungs.

This type of darkening in the lungs on fluorograms usually indicates developing edema. Such problems can arise due to increased pressure inside the pulmonary vessels or due to a decrease in the content of protein substances in the blood. The presence of fluid in the lungs is an obstacle to the proper functioning of this organ.

Pulmonary edema occurs:

• Hydrostatic. These problems arise due to high pressure in the blood vessels, so fluid leaves the bloodstream and penetrates the alveoli (the extreme points of the respiratory system), gradually filling the lung. This pathology most often occurs due to ischemia or other chronic problems of the heart muscle.
• Membranous. The cause of these edemas is the strong impact of toxic substances that damage the lining of the alveoli and then exit the blood vessels of the lung.

The correctness of diagnosis is greatly influenced by the qualification level, practical skills and theoretical knowledge of radiologists studying and describing fluorograms.

The equipment used to perform the X-ray examination also plays a very important role. It is for this reason that it is advisable to contact reliable clinics where real professionals and experts in their field work, who recognize each type of darkening in the lungs.

During the annual medical examination, the patient is offered to undergo fluorography to check the condition of the lungs. The procedure involves obtaining an image of a person's internal organs when X-rays pass through the tissues of his body. Thanks to X-rays of the lungs, it is possible to diagnose various diseases in the lungs in the early stages, the symptoms of which have not yet appeared in a person - tuberculosis, lung cancer, atelactase, etc.

Classic X-ray of the lungs

The human lungs look like this in the picture: the right and left lungs on the sides of the spine, the shadow of the heart, the collarbone, the ribs, the dome of the diaphragm. The resulting images are deciphered by specialists who assess the condition of the patient’s lungs according to the following scheme:

• how the lungs are located in the chest relative to other organs;
• number of pulmonary lobes;
• the shape of the paired organ and its size;
• pulmonary pattern.

The lung tissue of a healthy person has a homogeneous and uniform structure. In some cases, dark or light colored spots appear on x-rays. This may indicate both the presence of serious pathologies and physiological processes in the lungs that are not a deviation from the norm. However, having received such an image, the patient anxiously begins to look for information about the meaning of darkening or light circles in the image. What they mean will be explained below.

Reasons for the appearance of spots in the photo

There are many reasons for the appearance of dark spots on the lungs. When a pathological process affects an organ, its structure changes noticeably - areas with compactions appear, which, when exposed to X-rays, absorb rays in greater quantities than healthy tissue. This is why dark areas are visible in the pictures. These areas can vary in shape and size:

• Focal darkening. Usually detected during inflammation and cancer processes in organ tissues. They look like small spots, up to 10 mm in diameter. Based on their presence, it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis. Additional studies are needed - CT scan, blood, urine and sputum tests.
• Round shading. They are visualized as single round shadows. Usually they are an indicator of the inflammatory process in the lung tissue. This picture is indicative of pneumonia, abscesses, benign formations in this organ, bronchial asthma, and even rib fractures. Less commonly, round single dark spots indicate oncological processes in the lungs.
• Segmental darkening. Localized in the shape of a triangle (triangles) on one or both lobes. They can be either single or multiple. Single segmental opacities may indicate a foreign object in the organ or tumors within the bronchi, which can be either benign or malignant. Multiple segments in the images indicate the presence of pneumonia, central lung cancer, narrowing of the central bronchus, pleurisy, and oncology of neighboring organs.
• Darkening of fuzzy shape. These dark areas do not have definite contours and cannot be compared with geometric shapes. Most often, the presence of such dark areas of uncertain shape indicates infectious lesions of the lung - staphylococcal pneumonia, exudative pleurisy.
• Lobar darkening. These are clearly defined and clearly visible shadow boundaries in photographs, having curved, convex and other shapes. This type of darkening indicates chronic diseases in the bronchi.

Spots in the lungs on x-rays may appear due to the following diseases:

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis

With this disease, the upper parts of the organ are seriously affected. In the image, this is manifested by the presence of multiple darkened lesions of small size - up to 2 mm in diameter. In this case, foci can merge, forming larger locations.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia

In pneumonia, the presence of dark areas is noted in the lower parts of the lung tissue. The symptoms of the disease will be most clearly visible in the photographs at the time the disease develops. Visually, this will be manifested by an increase in the root of the lung due to the infiltration process, a change in the pulmonary pattern, shadows with an indistinct, blurry contour and numerous spots of different diameters.

With pneumonia, on an X-ray of the lungs, these spots have unclear contours and a heterogeneous structure.

In addition to pneumonia, the presence of multiple lesions in the lower parts of the pulmonary lobes indicates the consequences of pneumonia or bronchitis. With complete recovery, these marks will disappear.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a life-threatening condition. Its manifestations can also be noticeable during fluorography or x-rays. It is worth noting that in the presence of formations up to 2 mm in diameter, x-rays will not be able to detect the tumor. It is visualized on photographs when it reaches a diameter of more than 3 mm. For accurate diagnosis, x-rays are performed in two projections at once - lateral and direct.

In the image, if cancer is suspected, the following signs can be detected: a shadow on the periphery of the lung with a vague and lumpy outline, a thin outline of rays around the cancer focus, a large white spot stands out against the background of a strong shadow - this is how the picture of tumor disintegration appears.

However, when diagnosing oncology, you should not rely only on the image. The patient is referred to specialists who take a tissue biopsy and conduct additional studies - MRI, CT scan of the organ - to make the correct diagnosis.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pulmonary lining. In this case, the darkening is not explained by obstruction of air in those zones. In this case, fluid accumulates in the cavities from the folds of the pleura.

In the presence of dry pleurisy, the dome of the diaphragm is raised upward and the lung tissue is opaque. With effusion pleurisy, the angle of the diaphragm is smoothed out due to the accumulation of fluid, the lower part of the lung is darkened by an oblique border.

Nicotine addiction

Smoker's lungs

Heavy smokers also show dark spots on fluorograms or x-rays. They are explained by the thickening of the pulmonary pattern and the formation of cavities in the bronchi. The roots of the lungs in smokers are blurred - it is difficult to determine their structural boundaries. The blurring of the contours of the roots is explained by an increase in the pulmonary vessels due to respiratory failure. In addition, the image of a heavy smoker can reveal bronchitis, tuberculosis, and lung tumors.

Presence of a foreign body in the lungs

Dark spots in the lungs can be caused by the presence of a foreign object in the lung tissue. This can most often be found in children who are careless with small objects. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to detect an object in the bronchi or lungs on an x-ray due to swelling of the organ, so endoscopy is preferable to x-rays.

Listed above are the main reasons for the appearance of dark spots on the lungs on X-rays. It is very important to know that the shadows in the image itself look like the lightest areas, because... these are negatives. And vice versa - enlightenments in this paired organ will be reflected in the negatives as the darkest fragments. It is impossible to understand the symptoms of the disease and make a correct diagnosis based only on photographs. This should be done by a qualified radiologist.

Sometimes, to take care of health, there is not enough time, responsibility, desire, and finally, awareness of the importance of this task. That is why in medical institutions, both public and private, there is a requirement to undergo a number of mandatory examinations, regardless of the reason for the visit. One of these procedures is annual fluorography. Doctors recommend undergoing a lung x-ray or x-ray to detect diseases such as lung cancer or tuberculosis. Early detection of these and other diseases improves the effectiveness of treatment and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

There are cases when darkening is recorded in the final picture of the lungs, which causes feelings close to panic in patients. Let's figure out what darkening on the lungs looks like on an X-ray, where it comes from, what it could be and what the reason for its formation is. There are quite a few factors contributing to the appearance of black and white spots in photographs. But before moving on to considering the causes of darkening and analyzing them, you must first find out what a standard x-ray looks like.

What does a classic x-ray look like?

The classic photograph is a reverse (negative) image. The difference between a negative and a positive radiograph is that there is an inverse shadow correspondence. That is, the light parts in the picture show organs with maximum density, which retain and absorb X-rays, and the darker areas, respectively, show less dense tissues and voids that allow radiation to pass through unhindered.

Healthy lungs in the picture look like this: the right one is short and wide, the left one is long and narrow, which corresponds to the norm. These areas should be transparent, as they contain a large volume of air and practically do not interfere with the passage of X-rays.

Reasons for the appearance of spots in the photo

There can be many reasons for the appearance of spots. Only a qualified radiologist can give a complete transcript. Nevertheless, we can identify the main reasons why darkening occurs in a fluorography image:

• foci of active tuberculosis and post-tuberculosis changes;
• the occurrence of a benign or malignant tumor;
• consequences of smoking;
• post-traumatic lesions;
• accumulation of intrapleural fluid;
• bronchitis types of diseases;
• the presence of abscesses.

The location of the spot plays a big role. Depending on its location - on the right or left lung, in the lower or upper part - the value of this darkening may also change. To find out the true cause of the shadow in the picture, you need to consult a specialized specialist.

Types of shading

The spots in the lungs in the fluorography image are noticeably different from each other in appearance. It may be a dark or white spot. There are such deviations as enlarged (with acute bronchitis, pneumonia) or stringy roots (which indicate chronic bronchitis, smoking), as well as bilateral linear shadows (with tuberculous infiltrate and cavity). It may not even be a spot, but just a white dot. In medicine, it is customary to classify darkening into several main types:

• focal;
• focal;
• segmental;
• indefinite shape;
• shared;
• with the presence of liquid.

Based on the type of darkening, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.

Focal darkening in the lungs

Shadows of this type arise due to inflammatory, tumor, scarring processes that affect the respiratory organs, or due to vascular pathology. Despite the fact that the size of such darkening does not exceed one and a half centimeters, they can cause serious illnesses. They look like a small clear shadow on a fluorography image, the so-called nodule spot. The cause of their occurrence is often impossible to determine, as is the nature; in such cases, additional examinations are necessary. Focal, or focal-like, darkening varies in size, location, intensity, and can be single, multiple, scattered and disseminated. If focal darkening is found along with symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, or a feeling of heaviness in the chest, this may be the first sign of bronchopneumonia.

Ring shadow syndrome

A darkening in the form of a ring-shaped shadow on an x-ray is a sign of a decay cavity. It may indicate several pathologies. The main and most common means that there was contact with a person with tuberculosis, but the body was able to enclose the tuberculosis bacillus in a calcium shell and prevent it from developing, that is, calcification was formed. The reasons for such a shadow can also be:

• abscess;
• air cyst;
• disintegrating tumor.

To make an accurate diagnosis, you will need to undergo further examination.

Circular focal shades

Focal, or circular, eclipses often exceed the size of one centimeter and are also one of the signs of the onset of the disease. Focal shadows require careful investigation, as they can be signs of dangerous conditions such as:

The causes of the appearance of focal or spherical shadows can be cysts (congenital or acquired). They may even indicate the appearance of the following types of tumor processes:

• sarcoma and metastases are malignant;
• hamartochondroma, adenoma and fibroma are benign.

Segmental and lobar darkening

The darkening present in the fluorography image can be localized in the form of single segments with very different contours. Often segmental darkening has the shape of a triangle. There may be more than one area with similar shadows. In order to determine the exact cause of their occurrence, you will need to undergo a full examination. The presence of single segments may indicate:

• endobronchial tumors;
• presence of a foreign body or mechanical damage.

But the appearance of a group of segments is much more dangerous and may indicate:

• pneumonia;
• the presence of tuberculosis or other inflammations;
• central cancer;
• metastases of malignant tumors in other organs.

Lobar darkening, although similar to segmental darkening, still has differences. The contours of the shadow are clearly visible and easily defined. They can have different shapes. The presence of such spots means:

• chronic lung disease;
• the presence of bronchial obstruction.

If the lower or middle part of the lung is darkened, this indicates the presence of a malignant or benign tumor.

Shading of an indeterminate shape

If the image reveals a spot on the lungs of an indeterminate shape, in most cases this indicates the presence of staphylococcal pneumonia. This disease has several forms:

• primary - may occur due to an inflammatory process in the tissues of the lung or bronchi;
• secondary - may manifest itself due to the development of a purulent focus in the body.

Nowadays this disease is quite common. In addition to pneumonia, this type of darkening indicates tissue swelling, the presence of a tumor, hemorrhage and other pathologies. The exact source of the stain can be determined after the necessary laboratory tests.

If the appearance of this kind of spots is accompanied by the presence of metastases, fever, weakness and cough, this may mean a cancerous tumor, inflammation of the lung or the presence of pleurisy.

Darkening with liquid

If fluid is visible on fluorography, this indicates swelling of the organ. This condition occurs due to increased pulmonary capillary pressure or decreased protein levels in the body. Edema is divided into two types, it is divided according to the causes of its occurrence:

• hydrostatic edema. Its cause is increased intravascular pressure, as a result of which fluid enters the alveoli and fills the lung. The cause of such edema may be diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• membranous edema. It occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body, as a result of which fluid also enters the lung.

In order to determine the cause of the spot, an X-ray in additional projections, a computed tomography scan, and decoding of the resulting sections by a professional are required.

Total blackout syndrome

By total darkening we mean darkening of the entire lung field on an x-ray. The darkening can be one-sided or two-sided.

Double-sided dimming most often indicates:

• toxic or cardiac pulmonary edema;
• staphylococcal pneumonia;
• pleural moorings.

One-sided darkening is also divided into several subtypes:

• homogeneous;
• total;
• intense.

Homogeneous darkening may indicate atelectasis of the lung or complete absence of the organ (for example, with a congenital disease). Total shadows are observed with inflammatory infiltration or pleural scarring. The presence of intense darkening indicates encysted pleurisy or an extensive pulmonary cyst.

In general, total darkening indicates serious health problems, so taking a second X-ray and consulting an independent doctor is the best decision.

What dark spots look like on an x-ray in various diseases

X-ray allows you to visually study the condition of the lung tissue, based on the presence or absence of shadows, the correspondence of their shape and concentration to the normal picture, which may mean the presence or exclusion of pathological processes. If the darkening is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, then additional blood tests may not be needed.

Tuberculosis

If a linear darkening of the lung in the upper part is detected on fluorography, the conclusion is disappointing - it is most likely tuberculosis. But if there is no cough, an accurate diagnosis can only be made with a complete examination of the patient. There is no point in delaying this, since detecting tuberculosis in the early stages is the key to a quick and successful recovery.

Pneumonia

If fluorography shows dark areas in the lower part of the lung, this is most likely pneumonia. You can see the symptoms of the disease more clearly in the photograph taken at the climax of its course. On film, such specific spots look fuzzy and have a very heterogeneous structure.

The presence of such shadows in a healthy person indicates that he has had pneumonia or bronchitis. With complete recovery, these spots will disappear completely.

Lung cancer

One of the most terrible diagnoses remains, of course, cancer. A characteristic spot in the lungs, visible on an x-ray, may indicate the development of this disease. It is worth noting that as long as the size of the formations is less than 2 mm, it is difficult to make a medical conclusion using fluorography, but when they reach 3 mm, it becomes possible to establish a diagnosis; for this, the image is taken in two different projections: frontal and lateral.

The presence of cancer is indicated by the presence of a shadow with a blurring outline. A large white spot stands out against its background, which indicates the disintegration of the tumor.

To make a final diagnosis, just an image will not be enough; you will need to undergo a full range of examinations prescribed by specialists.

Pleurisy

During their work, doctors have to deal with various common symptoms, such as cough, fever or, for example, weakness in the body. Patients, as a rule, do not attach much importance to them, but these ordinary signs may be indicators of fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. In photographs this phenomenon is not expressed by any rigid geometric contours. Darkening of an unclear form represents pathological changes in the tissues of the lungs and may turn out to be nothing more than staphylococcal pneumonia.

According to medical statistics, staphylococcal pneumonia is becoming more common. The darkening itself in the image indicates tissue edema, internal hemorrhage, pulmonary infarction, tumor and the very appearance of pleural fluid, as well as other diseases that can be detected through laboratory tests.

Nicotine addiction

Many patients who seek help from doctors suffer from nicotine addiction, and today this is not uncommon. If the x-ray shows darkening, smoking may be the cause. This is due to the fact that cavities form in the bronchi, and the biggest difficulty is that at first glance it is difficult to determine the structural boundaries of the roots of the lungs. They are usually too blurry. This is explained by the fact that the pulmonary vessels begin to enlarge due to respiratory failure, which is why blurring is observed on the contours of the roots. But despite this, an X-ray of a smoker has a chance to reveal various diseases of the respiratory system, including tuberculosis and lung cancer.

With paragonimiasis

In the initial stages, paraganimosis occurs as an acute allergic disease. During this period, it is difficult to make a diagnosis, since there are practically no symptoms. Later, specific symptoms appear, such as cough and chest pain.

Fluorography shows characteristic foci with radial shadows.

For candidiasis

A spot on the picture may indicate the presence of candidiasis. In some cases, miliary opacities occur.

The symptoms of the disease are similar to bronchitis. A complication of the disease can be pleurisy.

For diffuse pneumosclerosis

If the image shows increased transparency of the lung tissue, this may indicate the presence of diffuse pneumosclerosis. It is often combined with focal eclipses.

Symptoms of the disease are cough with sputum, shortness of breath and general weakness.

For fever

If the darkening on fluorography has a large focus and uneven edges, these are symptoms of fever. Often it has pronounced symptoms, so a picture with such signs is already an additional confirmation of the disease.

Excessive sweating, chest pain and shortness of breath are the first signs of this condition.

Presence of a foreign body in the lungs

It happens that a spot on an x-ray in the lungs indicates the presence of a foreign body. Most often, this affects children, who tend to taste everything and, through negligence, can swallow an object. To the chagrin of doctors, such foreign bodies cannot always be detected using x-rays, so in such cases it is recommended to resort to endoscopic diagnostic methods. One of the main signs of foreign elements in the lungs is the presence of light spots. It is also important that it is not possible to make a diagnosis based on a fluorogram of the lungs alone; in such situations, this issue must be dealt with by a highly qualified radiologist.

What to do if spots are detected on an x-ray

The most correct decision in this situation would be not to panic. There is no need to treat spots detected during fluorography of the lungs until a full examination has been completed. As has already become clear, there can be many reasons for their appearance, so you cannot make a diagnosis yourself without consulting a specialized doctor.

If abnormalities in the pulmonary pattern are detected, you should contact a specialist: a pulmonologist or a phthisiatrician. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes:

• General and biochemical analysis of blood and urine;
• X-ray in the necessary projections;
• Diaskintest or sputum culture to detect the presence of tuberculosis pathogens;
• computed tomography of the lungs;
• bronchoscopy of the lungs or tracheobronchoscopy, when the respiratory organs are examined using a probe that is inserted through the nose.

There is no point in postponing treatment, especially if darkening is detected on the child’s lungs. A timely, accurate diagnosis will help quickly defeat the disease.

Quite often, to provide the most informative and accurate state of the respiratory organs, doctors prescribe such a common study as an x-ray. This procedure is often indicated in order to clarify the result of previously performed fluorography or based on the general clinical picture of the patient’s condition. For example, with certain lung diseases, the density of some lung tissues becomes increased. In the resulting images, each of which shows the condition of the lungs, similar phenomena are noted in the form of spots and darkening in the lungs on the X-ray.

If a patient is informed of the discovery of spots, the first reaction of most is fear, many think that it is a malignant formation. Cancer gives some darkening, but is far from the only reason for the appearance of spots. In order to avoid wasting unnecessary nerves, and also to begin to act as quickly as possible when blackouts are detected, it is worth studying their types, as well as becoming familiar with the main reasons for their occurrence.

Causes of spots on the received images

The main reasons for the appearance of spots or darkening in an x-ray photo can be the following causes of darkening in the lungs:

If such darkening is detected, doctors usually prescribe additional forms of examination. This is based precisely on a large number of reasons that can lead to their formation. Competent treatment is prescribed only after the nature of the formations and the causes of darkening in the lungs have been fully established. Normal symptoms and health status are taken into account.

When diagnosed with pneumonia, an x-ray is the only option to identify a serious illness.

What spots might there be in the picture?

In the process of conducting an additional medical examination and carefully studying the resulting images, the specialist evaluates the darkening according to the following parameters:

• The location of the spot is the upper, lower or middle part of the lung. It can also be the outer, inner and middle lobe of this organ. This way you can get a clear picture of the disease;
• The size makes it possible to determine the total area of ​​the pathology;
• Level of expression. Based on this feature, the degree of density of the lesion present can be determined. The severity can be moderate, weak and intense;
• General outline. Pay attention to whether the stain has smooth or uneven edges. Often on this basis it is possible to determine the nature of education.

In addition to the differences listed above, spots in the image can be classified according to other criteria. Doctors must take them into account in order to establish a more accurate diagnosis.

Spots and dark spots that occur in the lungs and trachea can be characterized by their location, but also by appearance and general shape. The distribution is as follows:

1. Share. The spot has a clear outline and can be particularly concave or significantly convex. Darkening can develop against the background of inflammation, cirrhosis or destruction. If a spot of this type is located in the middle or lower part of the lung, the doctor may suspect a malignant formation.
2. Focal. These are relatively small centimeter-sized formations that can prove the presence of inflammation, the development of pathology of veins and blood vessels, as well as the development of peripheral cancer, dangerous tuberculosis and sudden pulmonary infarction. If such lesions were found against the background of headache, cough and pain, bronchial pneumonia can be judged.
3. Indefinite in form. These are special spots that do not have a bright expression or outline. To give the patient the most accurate diagnosis, more modern types of examination, such as CT or MRI, are prescribed. Such white spots often indicate pathologies such as pleurisy, pneumonia, hemorrhage, as well as various types of tumors. The diagnosis is confirmed not only by CT scan, but also by laboratory tests.
4. Liquid. This is direct evidence of pulmonary edema. The fluid collected in the lungs may be due to increased pressure in numerous vessels and the degree of permeability of their alveolar wall. In this case, the liquid immediately enters the lung tissue, disrupting their functionality.
5. Segmental. We are talking about darkening in the form of a triangle. This is evidence of pathologies such as a cancerous tumor, various benign formations, pneumonia, the presence of metastases coming from other organs, tuberculosis and fluid accumulation. The doctor’s competence is very important here, since the earlier measures are taken, the greater the chance the patient will have if a fatal pathology is detected.
6. Focus. As a rule, these are single spots, the size of which is on average 1 cm. Such lesions arise against the background of pneumonia, with increased fluid content in the organs, breathing, tuberculosis, and they can also be cysts and purulent abscesses.

Making an accurate diagnosis based on the type and location of spots alone is impossible. It is for this reason that additional high-quality examination is required.

If darkening is visible in the image, you should immediately consult a doctor who can identify or exclude the presence of a dangerous disease.

Decoding of received images

A few minutes after the fluorographic examination, a person receives a picture and its detailed transcript. Comments on the image may contain the following information in the form of medical terms, each of which characterizes certain health problems:

• Enlargement of the roots of the right or left lung, which may indicate bronchitis or pneumonia; Heavy roots are special pathological changes that occur due to smoking or acute bronchitis;
• The presence of an in-depth pattern of the vessels of the right or left lung indicates a violation of blood circulation in the respiratory organs, various problems with blood vessels and the heart, bronchitis, as well as inflammation in the lungs, which may be the initial stage of the oncological process;
• Fibrosis and fibrous tissue are a consequence of previous surgical interventions and injuries;
• Focal shadows, which are specific shadows. If such shadows are accompanied by an increase in the general vascular pattern, the doctor can judge pneumonia;
• Calcifications of the right or left lung - means that the person had contact with a patient with tuberculosis. At the same time, the healthy body of an uninfected person encloses the rod in a calcium shell. It is the power of immunity that prevents the spread of infection;
• Changes in the diaphragm - all this can be the consequences of problems such as obesity, pleurisy, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Spots and dark spots found in the image can be evidence of several dozen different diseases; it is for this reason that after the x-ray it is necessary to continue a high-quality medical examination of the right or left lung.

Follow-up examination

To conduct further examination, the doctor may send the patient to a pulmonologist or oncologist, where he will be shown to undergo certain specific procedures. Here are the most common ones:

1. This may be a diaskintest, which can determine the presence of tuberculosis. If we compare this procedure with Mantoux, which quite often gives a false and inaccurate result, such an examination does not respond to BCG, which often shows a complete absence of a problem in the child. This is an ideal opportunity to diagnose tuberculosis as accurately as possible.
2. The study of sputum of children and adults is another mandatory analysis that is carried out in the laboratory. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to detect tuberculosis bacilli, the presence of malignant cells, as well as various impurities that may be characteristic of certain pathological conditions.
3. Quite often, doctors prescribe a more modern examination method - computed tomography of the lungs. This is an additional, informative method for diagnosing diseases of the lung tissue, pleura and mediastinum. It turned out that this is the most reliable method.
4. Lung bronchoscopy or tracheobronchoscopy may also be used. This procedure is performed using medical endoscopes that are quite flexible in design and are inserted through the nose. Through this form of examination, you can see the lungs and also take material, completely painlessly. The collected material, as a rule, is subjected to subsequent diagnostics - bacterial, histological and cytological.

If a doctor suspects lung cancer based on an x-ray, a tumor marker test may be prescribed. The analysis makes it possible to detect specific proteins that are usually produced by emerging malignant tumors.

Summing up

If darkening or light spots are found in the picture, do not panic when you see the picture. The best solution in this case would be to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations. The specialist will conduct a more detailed additional examination to clarify the diagnosis. This is the only way to develop the highest quality treatment, take timely measures and thereby prevent quite serious complications.

If an x-ray shows a shadow in the lungs, this may indicate a dangerous pathology or physiological condition. Remember that a radiograph is a summation of the thickness of anatomical structures.

X-ray darkening syndrome in the lungs appears on the image as a white spot of various sizes (focal, segmental, subtotal, total). Many anatomical structures and pathological changes are involved in its formation.

If an x-ray shows darkening in the lungs, what does this mean? Let's take a closer look in the article.

What causes “darkening” in the lungs in the picture?

Depending on the location, the white spot can be:

• pulmonary;
• extrapulmonary.

Darkening in the lungs occurs due to:

• tissue compaction during the inflammatory process;
• tumor growth;
• localized abscesses or cysts;
• collapse of lung tissue with atelectasis;
• tuberculosis.

Extrapulmonary causes of darkening on a chest x-ray:

• fluid in the pleural cavity;
• exudative and encysted inflammation of the pleura;
• pathological formations in the spine and ribs;
• mediastinal tumors;
• aortic aneurysm;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• diseases of the esophagus and intestines (hernias);
• pathology of the diaphragm;
• lipoma in the costophrenic sinus.

X-ray. Round formation in the projection of the right root (enlarged lymph node)

The main causes of dark spots in the lung on an x-ray

Describing the causes of spots in the pulmonary parenchyma, it is convenient to classify all formations into: limited and widespread.

Radiologists consider a limited darkening to be a shadow that does not exceed 1.5 cm in diameter. In shape, these formations can be round, oval, lumpy or irregular in structure. With encysted pleurisy, the white spot has a triangular shape. Similar shadows can be seen in atelectasis.

Causes of extensive darkening:

• exudative pleurisy;
• pneumonia;
• miliary tuberculosis;
• pulmonary edema.

White spots in the image are also caused by artifacts (foreign bodies).

To make a correct diagnosis when detecting opacification syndrome, a radiologist must have knowledge of nosological forms of diseases and have practical experience in interpreting chest x-rays. Young specialists are afraid to perform radiography in a lateral projection, since in these images the image is formed by summing up many anatomical formations, which significantly complicates the detection of diseases.

Sometimes darkening in the pulmonary parenchyma is a consequence of pneumonia and persists in a person for years. Such patients are classified as X-ray positive, which is indicated accordingly in the X-ray diagnostic passport.

X-ray of the lungs showed a dark spot - what is it?

If there is a dark spot on the x-ray, increased airiness of the lung tissue should be suspected. The syndrome can be limited or widespread. The shape is: round, oval, triangular.

Segmental darkening on a radiograph with a path to the root (peripheral cancer)

A round dark spot is observed on an image of the lungs with an hydatid cyst. True, around the formation there is a clear white outline formed by the wall of the cyst.

Emphysema (increased airiness of the alveoli) is manifested by total clearing on both sides. With a local emphysematous bulla, the dark spot is limited to several ribs or a segment.

X-ray diagnosis of this syndrome is not difficult for radiologists who have seen many images of the chest organs during their practical work.

How dangerous is darkening or clearing in the lungs?

Darkening and clearing in the pulmonary parenchyma - is it dangerous? To answer this question, the doctor should analyze a set of laboratory and instrumental methods and examine the person. Only after this can he say whether enlightenment or darkening is really dangerous.

X-ray diagnostics is an auxiliary diagnostic method. It is designed to supplement information about the condition of patients’ organs and tissues. If you pay attention to the protocol for describing the radiograph, the end point there is the “conclusion” of the radiologist, but not the “diagnosis”. This approach is adopted in medicine due to the fact that X-ray radiation “passes” through many anatomical structures, some of which are not displayed on film.

It is easy to differentiate total darkening after obtaining the results of other diagnostic methods. Because of this, the sanitary rules state that x-ray examinations are carried out only after all other types of diagnostic tests have been carried out. The approach allows not only to reliably verify the conclusion, but also to select the optimal projections to obtain maximum information in the images.

X-ray images of various types of dark spots in the lungs

The term “darkening in the lungs” is used when identifying any pulmonary pathology. Every adult knows what fluorography is. This screening study allows you to identify pathology in the lungs, mediastinum and chest wall. Regular preventive examinations, including this examination, allow you to identify diseases in the early stages. Currently, according to WHO recommendations, ordinary people need to undergo fluorography once every two years. It is recommended that kindergarten workers, teachers, doctors and food industry workers do this study once a year.

What does darkening mean and how is it detected?

The pathology of the chest organs detected during fluorography is formulated by doctors as “darkening in the lungs.” Moreover, this formulation hides any reason that is not necessarily of a malignant nature. A large number of diseases can manifest as a shadow in the lung, ranging from banal pulmonary fibrosis to cancer. To exclude false data when pathological changes are detected, it is recommended to perform an X-ray examination of the chest organs.

However, it is not fundamental when making a diagnosis. But it allows you to eliminate errors in the interpretation of fluorographic data, excluding the presence of various artifacts, defects in the film itself and the examination technique.

The most detailed examination of the chest organs is computed tomography. It allows you to make a diagnosis with a high degree of probability and decide on further treatment tactics.

It is worth knowing that any lung disease is manifested by a change in the lung tissue, characterized by its compaction and subsequently a violation of airiness. It is these areas that form the pathological focus. In some cases, these changes may mask more serious pathology and cause poor outcomes. Moreover, the radiological term “darkening” is actually manifested by the appearance of light areas on the radiograph.

An x-ray is often prescribed for an informative examination of the condition of the lungs. Its implementation may be indicated to clarify fluorography data or the clinical picture of the patient’s illness. Since in diseases of the lungs the density of the tissue in the affected areas is usually increased, the x-ray will show a spot in this area of ​​the image. When a patient, looking at the resulting x-ray, sees spots on it, the first thought that comes to mind is “cancer.” What does darkening in the lungs on an x-ray mean, what could it be? And why do they arise?

Diffuse darkening - pneumonia of the entire left lung

Why do white spots appear on an x-ray?

The reasons for the appearance of white spots in the image can be various factors:

Bilateral inferior opacities in the lungs (more on the left than on the right) and slight loss of transparency on the left

For a more complete picture of the pathological process, in addition to the direct one, additional photographs are taken in the lateral and oblique projections. The doctor evaluates each spot localized on the x-ray according to a number of parameters:

• Location of blackout. It can be located in the upper, middle, and lower regions of the lung tissue. In addition, the lungs are conventionally divided into the inner zone, the middle and the outer. This makes it possible to present the picture of the pathology more clearly in the future.
• Size. Clarification of this parameter allows us to determine the area of ​​the pathological process in the lungs.
• Degree of expression. Based on this feature, the density of the lesion is determined. The spot in the image may have a strong, weak or medium intensity.
• Shading outlines. Based on the contours of the spot, smooth or uneven, clearly defined or not, the nature of the tumor or neoplasm is determined, for example.

There is another classification of spots on an x-ray, according to which the following different types of darkening are distinguished.

Lobar dimming

With this type of spot, its outline is clearly visible on an x-ray. Moreover, it can be convex, concave or rectilinear. Such darkening in the lung can occur in the case of some chronic process. This may be a purulent process, cirrhosis or a destructive process of the bronchi.

As a rule, cancer and benign formations lead to the appearance of spots in the lower and middle zone of the organ.

Patchy darkening

Such spots on the lungs are not too large in size, up to about 1 cm. They may indicate an inflammatory or other process that has just begun. In addition, the appearance of such shadows in the image may indicate vascular pathologies. Due to the uncertainty of the cause, the doctor usually refers the patient for additional examination (for example, CT scan, tests, targeted x-ray).

Focal darkening in the lungs may indicate the presence of peripheral cancer, pulmonary infarction, focal tuberculosis and other diseases. High fever, headache, cough and chest pain in combination with a similar x-ray picture raise suspicion of bronchopneumonia. A pulmonary infarction is accompanied by symptoms of heart disease, coughing up blood, and manifestations of thrombophlebitis.

Focal pneumonia

Shading of an indeterminate shape

Such spots are characterized by the absence of any specific shape and severity of outline. To make an accurate diagnosis, additional blood and urine tests are required, as well as the use of other diagnostic methods (for example, CT). Possible diseases in which vague white spots appear on an x-ray:

• pneumonia;
• pulmonary infarction;
• pleurisy;
• hemorrhage;
• tumor and others.

When making a diagnosis, laboratory data and the clinical picture of the disease are of great importance.

Liquid dimming

Sometimes tissue swelling may occur in the lungs. If the pressure in the vessels increases, then fluid can escape from them into the alveolar apparatus of the organ. In addition, a number of toxic substances can disrupt the permeability of the alveolar wall. In this case, the fluid also enters the lung tissue. The fluid in the lungs disrupts the functional activity of the organ.

Such pathologies, which most often occur when the activity of the cardiovascular system is disrupted, appear in the image as darkening.

Segmental shading

Segmental pneumonia

If it has the shape of a triangle, then this indicates diseases such as:

• cancerous tumor;
• benign education;
• pneumonia;
• the presence of metastases from other organs;
• tuberculosis;
• the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, and so on.

It is mandatory to prescribe an additional comprehensive examination to make a correct diagnosis. In this case, the experience and competence of the doctor are of great importance.

Focal dimming

They are represented by round single spots about 1 cm. They can occur with diseases such as:

• pneumonia;
• increased fluid content;
• tuberculosis (tuberculoma);
• cysts;
• abscesses.

Pulmonary tuberculoma

Sometimes they are evidence of the presence of cancer or a benign tumor (lipoma, adenoma). In any case, additional examination is necessary.

What to do if spots are detected on an x-ray?

If there are dark or light shadows in your photo, there is no need to panic. The best way out in such a situation is not to paint pictures of a terrible future, but to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions.

In general, if shadows are detected on an x-ray, a thorough additional examination is required. Find out from your doctor what other diagnostic methods can provide the information necessary to clarify the diagnosis, and go through them. Also ask what diseases or disorders may give the same picture. Maybe the reason is hidden in a completely different place.

One of the radiation diagnostic methods is X-ray transmission, or radiography. The resulting image is applied to a hard drive, special film or paper.

Purpose of the examination

X-ray of the lungs is the most common and informative research method. This diagnostic method allows you to identify the presence of respiratory diseases:

• sarcoidosis;
• pneumonia (pneumonia);
• malignant neoplasms;
• tuberculosis;
• presence of foreign objects;
• pneumothorax and other various pathological processes.

In order to prevent pulmonary diseases in citizens employed in hazardous industries (chemical industry, construction (masons), mining (miners), etc.), X-rays of the lungs are performed once a year (more often if necessary). What do the research results show in such cases?

The fluoroscopy response makes it possible to promptly prevent or recognize the disease and prescribe the necessary medication or other therapy.

The effect of radiation on the human body

Radiation exposure is considered radiation exposure, and some people refuse to undergo this procedure. However, this is in vain; in medicine, rays of low energy are used, negligible, and the human body is exposed to them for a short period. A few years ago, scientists proved that even repeated X-rays (for medical indications) are not capable of harming health. In some cases, this procedure is also prescribed for pregnant women. Serious diseases that can be diagnosed using x-rays have more serious consequences than the minimum dose of radiation. As an alternative to conventional traditional X-rays, digital X-rays with an even lower radiation dose are now available.

Indications

Let's consider the symptoms for which the attending doctor prescribes a chest x-ray. What the image shows will determine the tactics for further management of the patient.

1. Periodic pain in the sternum.
2. Dyspnea.
3. High body temperature that lasts for a long time.
4. Blood in sputum.
5. Prolonged exhausting cough.
6. A large amount of sputum discharge.
7. Dry cough.

For the purpose of prevention, fluorography, or x-ray, is indicated to all citizens at least once every two years or more often in accordance with the recommendations of a medical professional.

Preparation and carrying out the procedure

You have been prescribed a lung x-ray, how can you prepare for it? No preliminary preparation is required. Before carrying out the procedure, you must remove jewelry (chains, beads, necklaces) so that they do not distort the result. Immediately before the procedure, your healthcare provider will ask you to wear a special skirt that wraps around your waist to protect your genitals from radiation. Next, the doctor selects the required projection (anterior, posterior, or sometimes the picture is taken in a side-lying position).

Depending on the equipment on which the X-ray of the lungs was performed, the results will be instantaneous (digital method) or after some time after processing and developing the film.

X-ray results

Did you take an X-ray of your lungs? Let's look at what the transcript shows below:

1. Diaphragm defects.
2. Presence Rule out tumor or pleurisy.
3. A cavity in the lung indicates necrosis of the lung tissue. Diagnose tuberculosis, cancer or abscess.
4. Small focal darkening is a sign of pneumonia and tuberculosis. Large - tumor of the bronchi, metastases to the lungs.
5. Small lesions that are very common are sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.
6. A large, round shadow indicates advanced tuberculosis or a malignant neoplasm.

With the exception of the above, other changes in the lung tissue and lungs are detected, which help make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Unfortunately, there are cases of false results, or in cases where the study is carried out in the early stages of the disease, it may not be seen. For an accurate conclusion, in addition to the results obtained, other diagnostic methods are used in addition to X-rays, and the necessary laboratory tests are also carried out.

Dark spots on an x-ray

X-ray showed spots on the lungs? The reasons for their appearance may be: incorrect position of the patient during the procedure, poor-quality equipment, or the presence of pathology. Only a doctor can accurately interpret X-ray data.

Formations in the form of white spots indicate the presence of tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pathology in the pleura, and occupational diseases. If a person has had bronchitis or pneumonia, then spots can be detected on an x-ray. They are regarded as residual manifestations of the disease, and they will disappear after some time.

If light spots are found in the upper parts of the lung, then tuberculosis is diagnosed, the main sign at the first stage of which is a light path running from the place where there is an inflammatory process to the root system. With timely and proper treatment, inflammation decreases and tissues undergo scarring. Instead of white, a dark spot appears in the photo.

If an X-ray of the lungs shows that black spots are visible, this indicates an exacerbation and the presence of chronic pneumonia. After a course of drug treatment and complete recovery, the spots disappear. Dark formations can also cause malignant pathologies. The detection of dark spots in a practically healthy person indicates many years of smoking; in children, it indicates a foreign body.

Does X-ray show pneumonia?

X-ray examination for pneumonia is both a method of identifying the disease and monitoring its progress.

In order to recognize pneumonia, you need to know what the spots look like on pictures with this pathology. They may differ in size and location:

• global spotty formations on the entire surface of the lungs;
• subtotal - all fields (with the exception of the upper lobes);
• segmental - spots within the boundaries of a segment;
• small spotted formations up to 3 mm with limited margins.

As a result of the development of the inflammatory process in the human lungs, fuzzy spots with blurred contours are formed and an x-ray shows inflammation of the lungs. The manifestation of spotty formations depends on the stage of the disease. The spots are more pronounced in advanced cases.

for bronchitis

The symptoms of the disease are similar to pneumonia. To confirm the diagnosis during a protracted course of the disease, certain types of examinations are prescribed, including x-rays, which will assess the condition of the respiratory system and clarify the diagnosis.

Symptoms in the patient for which fluorography is indicated (x-ray of the lungs shows bronchitis in this case):

• changes in blood, according to laboratory tests;
• severe constant shortness of breath;
• prolonged increase in body temperature;
• suspicion of inflammation in the lungs;
• signs of obstruction.

Based on the results of the study, X-ray photographs pay attention to the following points in the lungs:

• fuzzy outlines;
• presence of root deformation;
• changes in the drawing;
• the presence of lamellar lesions;
• areas of fluid accumulation.

The opinions of specialists about the information content of X-rays in identifying the disease bronchitis are divided. However, this type of research is widely used in practical medicine.

X-ray for tuberculosis

If you suspect this serious disease, this type of lung examination will allow you to exclude or confirm pathology.

The advantages of fluoroscopy for pulmonary tuberculosis are the ability to:

• carry out various diagnostics of the disease;
• exclude other pathologies of the respiratory system, such as pneumonia, cancer, abscess and others;
• determine the nature of damage to lung tissue;
• see the extent of the lesion;
• see the location of pathological foci.

Therefore, the question of whether an x-ray will show pulmonary tuberculosis can be answered in the affirmative. However, this does not exclude additional manipulations to accurately confirm the diagnosis. X-rays reveal different types of tuberculosis:

• intrathoracic lymph nodes;
• disseminated;
• focal;
• infiltration;
• caseous pneumonia;
• fibrous-cavernous;
• cirrhotic.

Does X-ray show lung cancer?

This disease is one of the most serious human ailments in recent decades. Chest X-ray is considered a diagnostic method for identifying this pathology at the earliest stages of its development. Signs or symptoms of the disease may include:

• lethargy, constant drowsiness and weakness;
• performance at zero;
• regular fevers with apparent well-being;
• dyspnea;
• whistling breathing;
• lingering cough that does not respond to therapy;
• secretion of sputum with blood;
• lack of appetite;
• during coughing attacks, the presence of pain.

To exclude the disease, the doctor prescribes an examination. An X-ray will definitely show lung cancer, since this method is highly informative.

Depending on the type of tumor and its location, the appearance on X-ray images will be different. To make an accurate diagnosis, the attending doctor will conduct additional examinations and, after assessing the general condition of the patient, prescribe adequate therapy.

X-ray of the lungs in children

If your child is prescribed an x-ray, you should familiarize yourself with the following points:

• is there an alternative type of examination;
• Is there a vital need for this procedure?

If in doubt, seek advice from another specialist.

In exceptional cases, the younger generation is prescribed radiography. Basically, when this is the only manipulation with which it is possible to exclude or confirm the diagnosis.

One of the parents also comes into the office with the child. In order to reduce the negative effects of radiation, all parts of the body of the baby and his representative are protected with lead shields. The procedure lasts a few minutes, and your baby will not get tired. If an X-ray of the lungs shows that there is a focus of pathology, the doctor will prescribe treatment and the child will recover quickly.

Fluoroscopy is an effective method for diagnosing various diseases and, in experienced hands, provides invaluable assistance to the medical community.

2016-02-22 07:31:15

Natalya asks:

Hello, dear specialists!
I really need your opinion about my CT scan.
My name is Natasha, 40 years old, height 160, weight 64cm.
In 1999, for the first time after fluorography, I was sent for an x-ray due to darkening in the upper lobe of the left lung. The conclusion is a fibrous-focal change in the left lobe of the left lung. They said she suffered from pneumonia on her legs.
Then, at 12.2002, after another fluorography, he was sent for an x-ray (on the left behind the second row there was a soft focal shadow) and for a consultation with a phthisiatrician. At the dispensary they took another picture and the phthisiatrician, based on the pictures over 3 years, concluded that in comparison there was resorption of the infiltrative component of the change. Diagnostically unclear. Control after 3 months.
A month later I found out that I was already pregnant for 2 months. I went to my phthisiologist again and she sent me for a consultation with a professor at the department of phthisiology.
Based on 3 of my images on 3.2003, the professor gave a conclusion - no tuberculous changes were detected in the lungs. There is no data for active tuberculosis. Diagnosis: healthy.
Thus, I gave birth safely in 09.2003 and in the maternity hospital on the second day after birth they took an x-ray and issued a conclusion - I am healthy.

I didn’t have any more fluorography (all these trips to dispensaries were very difficult for me, offers to have an abortion due to numerous x-rays during pregnancy, the possibility of giving birth in an observatory, etc., etc.)

I feel great, I have never had prolonged coughs or low-grade fever for a long time. Weight - more than I would like.
In 02.2016 I had a fluorography and was again sent for x-rays. We did a CT scan and will take sputum samples for analysis.
I kindly ask you to make your conclusion on the CT scan; I would like to get an alternative opinion from authoritative doctors.
Thank you in advance for your hard work and patience.
Link to archive from CT https://www.sendspace.com/file/pwq6xb

Answers Kotovenko Boris Alexandrovich:

Dear Natalya! Considering the long history of your illness (since 1999) - without significant dynamics both in the general condition and in the x-ray picture, I believe that there is no reason for alarm. However, taking into account the medical history, regular medical supervision (dispensary observation) is necessary. 2 times a year - taking a general blood test, urine and sputum, followed by consultation with a therapist (or pulmonologist). And also once a year a survey X-ray of the lungs (I recommend immediately taking an X-ray), since fluorography is less informative. Do CT OKG if pathological changes appear on Rg OKG). Health to you!

2015-11-06 13:38:18

Tatiana asks:

What does the description of fluorography mean: a focal shadow in the caudal part of the right root. Thank you.

Answers:

Hello, Tatyana! Detailed information about the principles of interpretation of fluorography results, including information about the possible causes of the appearance of focal shadows in the lung tissue, is contained in the article on our medical portal. Take care of your health!

2015-08-20 10:43:11

Dasha asks:

Hello, please tell me what fluorography means: On the right, C1-2, confluent focal shadows. The roots are compacted, have little structure, and are heavy.

Answers Medical consultant of the website portal:

Hello! Detailed information about the principles of interpretation of fluorography results, including information about the possible causes of the appearance of focal shadows in the lung tissue, is contained in the article on our medical portal. Take care of your health!

2015-08-07 06:41:40

Elena asks:

Good afternoon underwent fluorography
Description: The chest is symmetrical. No bone destructive changes were detected. The diaphragm is positioned normally, the contour is clear and even. The bone-diaphragmatic sinuses are transparent. The lungs are airy, on the left in the projection of 1 m/r a single focal shadow without clear contours is determined. The pulmonary pattern is not enhanced. The roots are structural. The mediastinum is not displaced or expanded.
what does it mean? appointment with a therapist in two days.

Answers Medical consultant of the website portal:

Hello! Detailed information about the principles of interpreting the results of fluorography (x-ray), including information about the possible causes of the appearance of focal shadows in the lung tissue, is contained in the article on our medical portal. Take care of your health!

2015-05-19 04:52:01

Alena asks:

I had a fluorography and they wrote on the right in s2 a dense focal shadow, what does this mean?

2015-05-13 06:46:07

Irina asks:

Hello! I had a fluorography done. On the left in C there are 1-2 single focal shadows. What could be happening?

Answers Medical consultant of the website portal:

Hello, Irina! Detailed information about the principles of interpretation of fluorography results, including information about the possible causes of the appearance of focal shadows in the lung tissue, is contained in the article on our medical portal. Take care of your health!

2015-01-30 16:07:14

Natalya asks:

Hello! I was ill with pulmonary tuberculosis 10 years ago, I was treated at first in a hospital, then I was observed like this, after five years I was deregistered (I had VK), now I regularly undergo fluorography, recently I had fluorography in another clinic, they wrote (at a preventive Rn group of the OGK in 2 projections in the upper lobe of the right lung (S2), against the background of a local enhanced and deformed pattern, a rounded area of ​​clearing measuring 8 mm was revealed, with uneven, clear contours, small dense focal shadows in the apical region, structural roots , the diaphragm contours, the heart is intact.) The doctor asked if I had a previous picture in my hands so that she could compare it. I took the picture and went to the hospital where my pictures were stored, but they scolded me for why I took the picture in that hospital and not at theirs, I asked them to give me the previous pictures so that they could be kept with me (I’m thinking of moving to another region ), but they printed it out on paper for me last year (D-z focal shadows, and the year before last they did not open the disk, I always called them after I took a photo and found out on the phone, they said everything was fine, because we live far from hospital) asked the doctor at this hospital to compare the new picture and didn’t look at it for last year, she said where the new picture was taken, so go and let them compare. And what is there, too, for free under the compulsory medical insurance policy. So I took this paper photograph and a new x-ray and went to the tuberculosis hospital, but the doctor who was in charge of the village did not work today, she will only be released next week. Now I’m sitting and worrying about what these shadows are and whether they could be residual. Thanks in advance.

Answers Medical consultant of the website portal:

Hello, Natalya! Read about the possible reasons for the appearance of focal shadows on a fluorogram in the article on our medical portal. These may be residual effects after tuberculosis. However, it is necessary to compare the old and new photographs. Don’t be afraid of clinic workers who interfere with this, and if there are problems on site, feel free to contact the clinic administration with a demand to resolve the problem with the issuance of images and results. Take care of your health!

The anatomical structure of the lungs, their ability to be filled with air that freely transmits x-ray radiation, makes it possible to obtain, during fluoroscopy, an image that reflects in detail all the structural elements of the lungs. However, darkening in the lungs on an X-ray does not always reflect changes in the tissues of the lung itself, since other organs of the chest are located at the level of the lungs and, therefore, the radiation beam, passing through the body, projects on the film a superimposed image of all organs and tissues , falling within its range.

In this regard, if any darkened formation is detected in the image, before answering the question of what it could be, it is necessary to clearly differentiate the localization of the pathological focus (in the tissues of the chest, diaphragm, pleural cavity or, directly, in the lungs).

Main syndromes on radiographs

On an x-ray taken in the anterior projection, the contours of the lungs form pulmonary fields over the entire area, intersected by symmetrical shadows of the ribs. A large shadow between the pulmonary fields is formed by the combined overlap of the projection of the heart and great arteries. Within the contour of the lung fields, one can see the roots of the lungs located at the same level with the anterior ends of the 2nd and 4th ribs and a slight darkening of the area caused by the rich vascular network located in the lung tissue.

All pathological changes reflected on x-rays can be divided into three groups.

Dimming

Appear on the image in cases where the healthy part of the lung is replaced by a pathological formation or substance, causing the displacement of the air part by denser masses. As a rule, it is observed in the following diseases:

• bronchial obstruction (atelectasis);
• accumulation of inflammatory fluid (pneumonia);
• benign or malignant tissue degeneration (tumor process).

Change in pulmonary pattern

• total (complete) or subtotal (almost complete) blackout;
• limited dimming;
• round (spherical) shadow;
• ring shadow;
• focal darkening.

Enlightenment

The clearing in the image reflects a decrease in the density and volume of soft tissues. As a rule, a similar phenomenon occurs when an air cavity forms in the lung (pneumothorax). Due to the specific reflection of x-ray results on photographic paper, areas that easily transmit radiation are reflected in a darker color due to the more intense effect of x-rays on the silver ions contained in photographic paper; areas of a denser structure have a light color. The wording “darkening” in the image is actually reflected in the form of a light area or focus.

X-ray showing a pulmonary pattern of healthy lungs

Total blackout syndrome

Total darkening of the lung on an x-ray is a complete or partial darkening (at least 2/3 of the lung field). In this case, gaps are possible in the upper or lower part of the lung. The main physiological reasons for the manifestation of this syndrome are the lack of air in the lung cavity, an increase in the density of the tissue of the entire surface of the lung, the content of fluid or any pathological content in the pleural cavity.

Diseases that can cause such a syndrome include:

• atelectasis;
• cirrhosis;
• exudative pleurisy;
• pneumonia.

To carry out differential diagnosis of diseases, it is necessary to rely on two main signs. The first sign is to assess the location of the mediastinal organs. It can be regular or offset, usually in the direction opposite to the darkening focus. The main landmark in identifying the displacement axis is the shadow of the heart, located mostly to the left of the midline of the chest, and less to the right, and the stomach, the most informative part of which is the air bubble, which is always clearly visible on the images.

The second sign that makes it possible to identify a pathological condition is an assessment of the uniformity of darkening. Thus, with uniform darkening, atelectasis can be diagnosed with a high degree of probability, and with heterogeneous darkening, cirrhosis can be diagnosed. Interpretation of the results obtained using the radiographic method consists of a comprehensive assessment of all visually detected pathological elements in comparison with the anatomical features of each individual patient.

Limited dimming syndrome

To identify the causes of limited darkening of the pulmonary field, it is necessary to take an image in two directions - in direct projection and lateral. Based on the results of the obtained images, it is important to assess the localization of the darkening focus. If the shadow in all photographs is located inside the pulmonary field and is similar in size to its contours or has a smaller volume, it is logical to assume a lung lesion.

If there is darkening adjacent to the diaphragm or mediastinal organs with a wide base, extrapulmonary pathologies (fluid inclusions in the pleural cavity) can be diagnosed. Another criterion for evaluating limited shades is size. In this case, two possible options should be considered:

• The size of the darkening clearly follows the contours of the affected part of the lung, which may indicate an inflammatory process;
• The size of the darkening is smaller than the normal size of the affected segment of the lung, which indicates cirrhosis of the lung tissue or blockage of the bronchus.

Particular attention should be paid to cases in which there is a darkening of normal dimensions, in the structure of which light foci (cavities) can be traced. First of all, in this case, it is necessary to clarify whether the cavity contains liquid. To do this, a series of photographs are taken in different positions of the patient (standing, lying down or bending over) and changes in the level of the estimated upper limit of the liquid contents are assessed. If fluid is present, a lung abscess is diagnosed, and if it is not present, then the likely diagnosis is tuberculosis.

Important! The detection of several cavities with limited darkening of the lung is characteristic of pneumonia caused by staphylococcus. Such a lesion has an unfavorable prognosis, and often treatment is only possible through surgery.

X-ray shows limited darkening of the lungs in two projections

Round shadow syndrome

I identify round shadow syndrome when the spot on the lungs has a round or oval shape on two photographs taken perpendicular to each other, that is, from the front and the side. To decipher the results of radiography when a round shadow is detected, they rely on 4 signs:

• form of shading;
• localization of darkening relative to nearby organs;
• clarity and thickness of its contours;
• structure of the internal shadow field.

Since the shadow reflected on the image within the lung field may actually be located outside it, assessing the shape of the shadow can greatly facilitate diagnosis. Thus, a round shape is characteristic of intrapulmonary formations (tumor, cyst, infiltrate filled with inflammatory contents). An oval shadow in most cases is the result of compression of a round formation by the walls of the lung.

The structure of the internal shadow field is also highly informative. If, when analyzing the results, the heterogeneity of the shadow is obvious, for example, lighter foci, then with a high degree of probability, it is possible to diagnose the disintegration of necrotic tissue (with disintegrating cancer or disintegration of tuberculous infiltrate) or the formation of a cavity. Darker areas may indicate partial calcification of tuberculoma.

A clear and dense contour indicates the presence of a fibrous capsule, characteristic of an echinococcal cyst. Round shadow syndrome includes only those shadows that are more than 1 cm in diameter; shadows with a smaller diameter are considered lesions.

Ring shadow syndrome

A ring-shaped spot on the lung on an x-ray is the easiest syndrome to analyze. As a rule, a ring-shaped shadow appears on an x-ray as a result of the formation of a cavity filled with air. A mandatory condition under which the detected darkening is classified as ring-shaped shadow syndrome is the preservation of a closed ring when taking pictures in all projections and in various positions of the patient’s body. If in at least one of the series of photographs the ring does not have a closed structure, the shadow can be considered an optical illusion.

If a cavity is detected in the lung, the uniformity and thickness of its walls should be assessed. Thus, with a large and uniform thickness of the contour, one can assume the inflammatory origin of the cavity, for example, a tuberculous cavity. A similar picture is observed with an abscess, when purulent melting of tissue occurs and the contents are removed through the bronchi. However, with an abscess, the remains of pus most often remain in the cavity and their complete removal is quite rare, so usually such a cavity is a tuberculous cavity.

The unevenly wide walls of the ring indicate the process of decay of lung cancer. Necrotic processes in tumor tissue can cause the formation of a cavity, but since necrosis develops unevenly, tumor masses remain on the inner walls of the cavity, creating the effect of an “uneven” ring.

Important! The main difficulty in assessing the ring-shaped shadow is determining the localization of the formation, since in most cases a similar syndrome is observed in extrapulmonary processes (deformation of the ribs, gases in the intestines, gases in the pleural cavity).

The image shows a ring-shaped shadow in the lower lobe of the right lung

Focal opacification syndrome

Spots on the lungs larger than 1 mm and smaller than 1 cm are considered lesions. On an x-ray, you can see from 1 to several lesions located at a considerable distance from each other or in a group. If the area of ​​distribution of foci does not exceed 2 intercostal spaces, the lesion (dissemination) is considered limited, and if the foci are distributed over a larger area, it is considered diffuse.

The main criteria for assessing focal darkening are:

• area of ​​distribution and location of foci;
• shadow contours;
• darkening intensity.

When one or more dark spots are located in the upper parts of the lung, this is a clear sign of tuberculosis. Many foci with limited spread are a sign of focal pneumonia or the result of the disintegration of a tuberculous cavity, located, as a rule, slightly above the detected foci. In the latter case, a round or ring-shaped shadow may also be observed in the picture.

The reason for the appearance of a single darkening in any part of the lung is, first of all, considered the likelihood of developing cancer or tumor metastasis. This is also evidenced by the clear contours of the shadow. Fuzzy contours indicate the inflammatory origin of the darkening.

To assess the intensity of darkening, they are compared with the image of the vessels visualized in the image. If the severity of the lesion is inferior to the shadow of the vessel, this is a low-intensity darkening characteristic of focal pneumonia or infiltrated tuberculosis. With medium and strong darkening of the focus, when the severity is equal to or darker than the vascular pattern, one can judge the attenuation of the tuberculosis process.

Since extensive dissemination of lesions can indicate more than 100 diseases, to distinguish between causes, the size of the shadows should be assessed. Thus, tiny foci covering the entire area of ​​the lung may indicate pneumoconiosis, miliary tuberculosis or focal pneumonia.

The image shows small focal shadows

Important! Regardless of what changes are observed on an x-ray of the lungs, when analyzing the results, one should take into account the presence of a normal pulmonary pattern, which is characterized by the presence of shadows of the vascular system.

In the vast majority of cases, a final diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of lung x-rays, since analysis of the resulting image allows us to identify only a syndrome characteristic of a particular disease. If the x-ray showed darkening of any area, then to clarify the diagnosis and assess the dynamics of the disease, it is necessary to conduct a set of laboratory tests and additional diagnostics using MSCT, bronchography, biopsy, etc.

Every Russian citizen knows that annual preventive medical examinations are a mandatory procedure. One of the most important examinations is one that allows you to detect various diseases in the early stages of their development. Alarm bells for doctors are pathological darkening of these organs.

Darkening in the photo of the lungs.

There are many reasons that lead to the occurrence of such darkening, therefore, to determine them as correctly as possible, experts do not disdain other examinations.

After all, certain darkening is just an indicator that inflammation (of any nature) is occurring in the body. Why does darkening appear in the picture? To answer this question you need to carefully study this topic.

Main Features

In most situations, pulmonary diseases are accompanied by the appearance of compactions. Such problems occur due to a decrease in diameter or blockage of air passages at specific locations on the surface of the lung, and radiologists see dark spots on the fluorogram.

Symptoms of this kind are confirmation of the occurrence or development of pathologies in the lungs themselves or surrounding cells.

Shadows indicating pulmonary diseases often have varying intensity, clarity and dimensions. Such areas are evidence of the following health problems:

• Inflammation and tissue compaction;
• nodular neoplasms (tumors);
• clogged air passages;
• development of tuberculosis processes;
• fluid filling of the lung pleura (the layer of membrane that covers and protects each organ in the sternum);
• inflammation of the pleura;
• pustular abscesses.

Fluorographic images often contain dark spots that appear due to defects of any organ behind the ribs. Such symptoms are confirmation of such problems:

1. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2. Tumors on the vertebrae/ribs.
3. Diseases of the esophagus, etc.

Types and description of dark spots

The type of pathological damage to the tissues of the respiratory system greatly influences the way the shadows are located, their dimensions and geometry. Based on this, all dark spots on fluorograms can be:

• Focal;
• formless;
• focal;
• liquid;
• segmental;
• share type.

Let us consider in detail each type of such shadows.

Focal shadows

This type of dark spots are small nodular areas up to 10 mm in size. Usually they manifest themselves in the event of any inflammation or problems with blood vessels. Such darkening is often a sign of the onset of the development of any pulmonary diseases.

Based on one fluorogram, it is impossible to determine exactly what the causes of the appearance of lesions and their nature are, so doctors always prescribe patients to additionally undergo a CT scan or radiography. It is also advisable to conduct laboratory tests, during which the indicators and content of mucous membranes, urine, etc. are examined.

In situations where, when focal darkening is detected, the patient has an elevated temperature, general malaise, headache, incessant coughing attacks, severe chest pain, there is a high probability of bronchopneumonia.

A focal shadow on an X-ray of the lungs, which indicates internal bleeding.

When the results of a blood test do not confirm the presence of any abnormalities, development is possible.

The main symptoms of this disease are decreased appetite, malaise, causeless dry cough, frequent irritability, severe pain in the sternum. If this diagnosis is suspected, doctors prescribe a series of studies.

Another common disease with focal darkening is pulmonary infarction, which manifests itself as thrombophlebitis in the legs, pathology of the heart muscle, etc. The last problem that can be discussed in the presence of a focal shadow on a fluorographic image is peripheral cancer.

Single cases of focal shadow on a fluorogram are round in shape, and their size often exceeds 10-12 mm. Such darkening in the lungs is considered a sign of inflammation, which manifests itself due to the occurrence of such diseases:

• Inflammation of the lung;
• local effusions (water channels in the lungs expand);
• eosinophilic infiltrates - this disease is accompanied by mechanical lesions of the lungs, bronchial asthma;
• abscesses.

Focal shadow in the photo.

One of the rarest reasons for the appearance of such shadows on fluorograms is the use of highly targeted, potent medications, the presence of acquired or congenital cysts that are filled with liquids/gases.

This type of darkening can also indicate problems with tumors:

• Benign (fibroma, adenoma, lipoma, hamartochondroma);
• malignant (metastasis, sarcoma).

Often, round dark spots confirm the presence of calluses, which are caused by rib fractures. Doctors must take this fact into account when deciphering film fluorograms.

Segmental spots

Dark spots on fluorograms can be distributed as separate segments of any diameter/shape (usually triangular). There can be up to 10 such dark spots on a lung, and doctors make a diagnosis of diseases based on a comprehensive examination. The appearance of single spots on the lung is usually considered a symptom of the following diseases:

• Endobronchial tumor;
• foreign bodies, mechanical damage to lung tissue.

In the case of clear viewing of several darkened areas on film fluorograms, we can talk about the following problems:

• Chronic pneumonia or acute form of this disease;
• tuberculous inflammation;
• centralized oncology;
• central bronchial constrictions;
• concentration of any fluids in one place of the pleural tissue;
• malignant metastases.

Shapeless spots

Fluorograms often contain darkened spots that are not shaped like other species. Usually their appearance is not similar to certain geometric shapes, and there are no clear boundaries of the shadows. In most cases, such lung pathologies confirm the symptoms of staphylococcal pneumonia. This problem can develop in the following forms:

1. Primary. This disease manifests itself in the presence of inflammation in the lung/bronchus.
2. Secondary. This form develops as a result of hematogenous infection from a purulent focus (due to osteomyelitis, adnexitis or other similar diseases). In the last decade, the secondary form of staphylococcal pneumonia has begun to spread much faster, so people must undergo fluorography every year in order to detect this disease at an early stage.

Dark spots of this kind can often occur due to edema of the lung tissue, pulmonary effusions of blood, tumor-like neoplasms, concentration of fluids inside the pleura in one place, and the presence of another disease that can be accurately determined using laboratory testing. In the case of such diseases, patients often have a fever, cough, malaise, and headaches.

Share shadows

In the case of lobar darkening in the lungs, their contours are clearly visible in fluorogram images. Usually they differ in shape by their convexity, concavity, straightness, etc. Lobar darkened spots usually confirm that people have any chronic pulmonary diseases, which are easily determined using computed tomography.

Most often, a lobar spot confirms the development of cirrhosis, bronchiectasis, and the appearance of a purulent cavity. Any of these pathologies in a CT image is very different from a cancerous tumor, so it is necessary to accurately determine malignant neoplasms only if a person has bronchial obstruction due to inflammatory or scar formations.

Darkened areas filled with liquids

The image shows fluid in the lungs.

This type of darkening in the lungs on fluorograms usually indicates developing edema. Such problems can arise due to increased pressure inside the pulmonary vessels or due to a decrease in the content of protein substances in the blood. The presence of fluid in the lungs is an obstacle to the proper functioning of this organ.

Pulmonary edema occurs:

• Hydrostatic. These problems arise due to high pressure in the blood vessels, so fluid leaves the bloodstream and penetrates the alveoli (the extreme points of the respiratory system), gradually filling the lung. This pathology most often occurs due to ischemia or other chronic problems of the heart muscle.
• Membranous. The cause of these edemas is the strong impact of toxic substances that damage the lining of the alveoli and then exit the blood vessels of the lung.

The correctness of diagnosis is greatly influenced by the qualification level, practical skills and theoretical knowledge of radiologists studying and describing fluorograms.

The equipment used to perform the X-ray examination also plays a very important role. It is for this reason that it is advisable to contact reliable clinics where real professionals and experts in their field work, who recognize each type of darkening in the lungs.