Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for about 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancer cases. Lung cancer occurs when tumors form in your lungs.

Though more common, NSCLC is typically less aggressive than small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Still, some forms of NSCLC can spread quickly to other parts of your body if untreated. Early diagnosis is key to improving your outlook.

An X-ray is normally the first test when doctors suspect NSCLC. X-rays can find tumors and determine their size, location, and other important characteristics.

While you’ll need a range of other tests to confirm and stage NSCLC, there’s still a lot of information your doctor can learn from an X-ray.

A chest X-ray can’t diagnose NSCLC. However, it can provide important information that your doctor can use to determine whether you need more tests.

A chest X-ray can show where in your lungs the tumor is growing. It can also help determine the type of NSCLC. Common types of NSCLC include:

Several features of NSCLC also show up on a chest X-ray. These include:

While chest X-rays can provide useful information, they are also limited in several ways. A 2019 review found that chest X-rays miss 2 out of every 10 lung cancer cases. Reasons for this may include:

Other conditions may look similar to cancer on an X-ray. For example, a lung abscess may also appear as a light gray mass on an X-ray image.

If a chest X-ray detects cancer, staging is an important part of the diagnostic process. Staging is an indication of how much the cancer has spread. The stage of the cancer has an impact on your treatment and outlook.

Chest X-rays don’t provide enough information to stage your cancer. That part of the process comes later and usually involves CT, PET, or MRI scans.

A chest X-ray is an outpatient procedure. You won’t need to stop taking any medications before the procedure, and you’ll be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.

Before your X-ray, you’ll need to undress from the waist up. You’ll receive an exam gown to wear. You’ll also need to remove any jewelry.

You’ll stand between the X-ray machine and the plate that creates the images during your X-ray procedure. The X-ray technician will ask you to move into different positions throughout the procedure so the machine can capture different views of your chest.

The technician will help you get into different positions so the machine can capture images of the sides and front of your chest. They might also ask you to make slight movements, such as raising your arms, rolling your shoulders, or taking a deep breath and holding it.

X-rays are normally quick and painless. You won’t feel the X-ray machine taking images.

If you’re unable to stand or complete the movements, you may be able to sit or lie flat. If you’re concerned about standing during the X-ray, talk with your doctor ahead of time. They might be able to direct you to a facility that has mobility accommodations in place.

Your doctor will contact you once the results of your chest X-ray are ready. They’ll let you know the results and discuss the next steps. This might involve scheduling more tests or waiting for the results of other tests you’ve already had.

Chest X-rays are safe. The process will expose you to a small amount of radiation, but it is not enough to affect your health. However, if you have regular chest X-rays, you can wear a protective apron during the procedure to protect yourself from radiation.

If you’re pregnant, it is important to let your doctor and the X-ray technician know. You can still have a chest X-ray, but the technician will take steps to ensure your stomach isn’t exposed to radiation.

An X-ray alone isn’t enough to diagnose non-small cell lung cancer. In addition to reviewing your complete medical history and smoking habits, you’ll have a range of other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Common tests to diagnose lung cancer include:

A chest X-ray is an important part of the lung cancer diagnostic process. An X-ray can’t confirm a diagnosis on its own, but it can provide useful information about NSCLC type, stage, outlook, and more. It can show the location and size of a tumor.

A chest X-ray can help your doctor start to think about surgical options and other treatment strategies. You’ll need other tests to confirm findings, but a chest X-ray is often the first step.

Early diagnosis is the key to improving your outlook with NSCLC. The 5-year survival rate for localized NSCLC is 8 times higher than it is if your cancer has spread.

If you’re at high risk for NSCLC, talk with your doctor about yearly screening with a chest X-ray and low dose CT scan.

Last medically reviewed on June 23, 2022

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