Would cancer always show up on an X-ray?

[Sortmyshitout]

My dad has been unwell for many weeks, terrible cough, really not himself at all. The gp listened to his chest awhile back and prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection.
There has been no change, and he has been back several times trying different types but is still so unwell. It’s not covid.
He had a chest X-ray and it came back clear apparently. I’m so worried it could be cancer. He was a heavy smoker for decades but no longer. Apparently the gp has said there is no need for a ct scan as the chest X-ray was fine. Are these reliable enough to be sure to rule it out does anyone know??
He is now on his 4th load of antibiotics, if these don’t work can he push for further scans? He doesn’t like to make a fuss but he’s getting really down about everything and I’m so worried 😟

My dad died with lung cancer - he was very old so that wasn't the cause of his death. He hadn't smoked for about fifty years and even then no more than ten a day. The X-ray showed that he had lung cancer.

I don't know any more than that, I'm afraid. I don't know whether some lung cancers are not detected by an X-ray.

Could he ask for a second opinion? It must be so hard for both of you.

DH recently had an xray of his lungs as he was having problems. Based on his results, his Doctor ruled out lung cancer.

I am not going to say that it can't be missed via xray - but it is a method of diagnosing it.

So sorry about your dad 💐 that’s actually reassuring me though that it showed up on his X-ray. You see those adverts on tv about persistent cough being a danger sign and I’m so worried as nothing is clearing it for him. My poor dad already has existing heart problems and with this on top now he is getting so down and not himself. I feel abit helpless and was hoping they would be willing to refer him for a ct to definitely rule it out, but perhaps the X-ray is enough. I would just hate for something like that to be missed

My stepdad had lung cancer. His first chest X-ray was clear. When they diagnosed him on repeat xray 3 months later it was everywhere in his body. They did a review of the original and nothing was seen. It was a particularly aggressive form and he died 2 months after diagnosis.

A CT scan is just multiple x-rays, it produces the same type of image. If an x-ray wasn't reliable for what they were looking for they would have used something else - they are careful to book people with the right type of imaging for their circumstances.

There are so many things that can cause coughs besides cancer. See where he gets to with the current treatment and then ask what the plan is.

Lung cancer can be missed on an X-ray, it's less likely to be missed on a ct scan. My Aunt's wasn't picked up until they found it on a Pet scan after finding liver secondary tumours on a ct.

An X-ray will rule out most of them but other imaging eg CT/MRI gives a more 3D, detailed view.

If you are still concerned then go back and discuss your options with the GP.

My dad died of lung cancer, he had a chest x-ray which showed an ‘infection’, when antibiotics didn’t clear it, he had bronchoscopy and further scans to confirm lung cancer.

He also has pulmonary fibrosis which I think added to the confusion over his first chest X-ray and delayed diagnosis of cancer.

My friend had a hip replaced. She went for a check to make sure all was ok.
She was called back and told she was riddled with cancer and has been given weeks to live. Very sad.

Sorry to hear about your friend @Borntobeamum - that must have been a shock.

How is your dad @Sortmyshitout ?

It can be missed in X-ray.

They need to do a MRI or preferably, a Pet scan to see what's there.

A persistent cough isn't natural and must be further investigated.