Today, this pop in of imaging test may or may not be one you receive prior to treatment.
Chest X-rays have limitations in detecting if breast cancer has spread.
However, your healthcare provider may still recommend a chest X-ray for several reasons, such as infection.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Your oncologist may have several reasons to order a chest X-ray.
Cancer thatspreads to the lungsfrom the breasteven if the breast tumor was removed years earlieris still breast cancer.
This is referred to as breast cancer with lung metastasesnot lung cancer.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
When breast cancer spreads to the lungs, there may not be any symptoms at first.
When symptoms occur, they often include a dry cough, shortness of breath, or recurrent respiratory infections.
Chest X-rays are limited in their ability to detect small areas of cancereither metastases or a primary lung tumor.
In fact, screening chest X-rays are not recommended for people who smoke.
This is because they sometimes fail to pick up cancer early enough to make any difference in survival.
Recent studies suggest this is especially important.
Because X-rays can sometimes miss these cancers, an X-ray alone could give false confidence that everything is normal.
Risks and Contraindications
X-rays are considered very low-risk procedures.
Before the Test
An X-ray is a fairly straightforward and routine test.
Minimal to no preparation is typically needed prior to the test.
Timing
A chest X-ray typically takes less than 15 minutes.
If you have a scheduled time, be sure to arrive a little early to check in.
If youre dropping in, its a good idea to call ahead to see how long the wait is.
Certain times of day, such as first thing in the morning, might be less busy than others.
Location
Some healthcare providers offices have X-ray machines on site.
Others will send you to a hospital or other medical facility to have the X-ray done.
Dont wear a necklace.
(The waiting room may be another matter, though.)
Then, youll be taken into the exam room.
Throughout the Test
The technician will give you instructions about how to position your body.
From another room, the technician will instruct you to lie still and will take the images.
You may need to be X-rayed in a few different positions.
Post-Test
If you want to see the images, it’s possible for you to ask.
However, the technician is not allowed to interpret them for you.
Once the images are taken, you’ve got the option to get dressed and leave.
After the Test
You shouldnt have any lingering effects from the chest X-ray.
They may provide answers or lead to further testing.
If your healthcare provider doesnt explain what the next step will be, be sure to ask.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare providers appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Summary
Chest X-rays are no longer part of the breast cancer staging guidelines.
The procedure is simple and usually takes 15 minutes or less.
Your oncologist could simply be following up on a cough you mentioned.
The best way to avoid misunderstandings is to ask a lot of questions about the tests being recommended.
Being your ownadvocatefor your cancer care not only reduces anxiety, but may even improve your outcome.
X-rays can be used to see if the breast cancer has spread to the lung tissue or nearby bones.
These tests can also be used to visualize lung infections, such as pneumonia.
Speak with your oncologist to discuss your risks and options.
National Comprehensive Care web link.NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology.
Updated November 8, 2021.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation.Metastatic breast cancer: symptoms, treatment, research.
Updated May 7, 2021.
2016;40(8):2036-2042. doi:10.1007/s00268-016-3570-6
Susan G. Komen.Findings on a mammogram.
Updated November 9, 2021.
Radiological Society of North America.Breast cancer screening.
Updated January 22, 2020.
John E, McGuire V, Thomas D, et.
2013; 22(9):1547-1556. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-0189
