Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hello - I Had A Chest X-ray And Now I
Question: Hello - I had a chest x-ray and now I need to go back for a CTA. The problem is my appointment isn’t until next week and now I’m the meantime I’m freaking out. The x-ray result included this single comment: “There is a well-defined discrete area of decreased density underneath the left hemidiaphragm”. What are possible things this could be besides cancer?
Brief Answer:
Among a number of causes perforation along bowel lining.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query,
I've read your details,
As you have not mentioned your symptoms and X-rays are just a baseline test, the only comment I can make is a rupture in the bowel (along the line of the intestine) could be the very likely and most common cause.
However please mention your exact symptoms and their intensity to help me give you a professional opinion.
As far as cancer is concerned X-ray is too basic a test to make or suspect such diagnosis.
Kindly follow up with the details of the symptoms.
I hope this was helpful.
Thanks.
Among a number of causes perforation along bowel lining.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query,
I've read your details,
As you have not mentioned your symptoms and X-rays are just a baseline test, the only comment I can make is a rupture in the bowel (along the line of the intestine) could be the very likely and most common cause.
However please mention your exact symptoms and their intensity to help me give you a professional opinion.
As far as cancer is concerned X-ray is too basic a test to make or suspect such diagnosis.
Kindly follow up with the details of the symptoms.
I hope this was helpful.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks. I had a chest x-ray with this comment "There is a well-defined discrete area of decreased density underneath the left hemidiaphragm"
I thought this was related to the lung, but you seem to suggest it could involve the abdomen?
I don't have any symptoms. Originally I went to the doctor because tissue near my collarbone looked slightly swollen but the ultrasound was unremarkable.
Then, they did the chest x-ray to see if there was anything that would cause this "mass" near my collarbone. I was wondering what are possible reasons for an x-ray to show "a well-defined discrete area of decreased density underneath the left hemidiaphragm"
I thought this was related to the lung, but you seem to suggest it could involve the abdomen?
I don't have any symptoms. Originally I went to the doctor because tissue near my collarbone looked slightly swollen but the ultrasound was unremarkable.
Then, they did the chest x-ray to see if there was anything that would cause this "mass" near my collarbone. I was wondering what are possible reasons for an x-ray to show "a well-defined discrete area of decreased density underneath the left hemidiaphragm"
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for follow up in that case my dear fluid around the lung could be a cause.
A CT would help in final diagnosis.
In case fluid is detected it would be tapped by using a syringe.
Small amount of fluid usually dries off by taking medication.
However if fluid is tapped off it would be sent to laboratory to rule out the cause of problem for eg a bacterial infection or malignancy.
CT would be required and you need to wait for it.
Hope I was helpful.
Feel free to follow up.
Do rate the answer.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for follow up in that case my dear fluid around the lung could be a cause.
A CT would help in final diagnosis.
In case fluid is detected it would be tapped by using a syringe.
Small amount of fluid usually dries off by taking medication.
However if fluid is tapped off it would be sent to laboratory to rule out the cause of problem for eg a bacterial infection or malignancy.
CT would be required and you need to wait for it.
Hope I was helpful.
Feel free to follow up.
Do rate the answer.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
