Radiographic assessment of airway tumors

The initial imaging evaluation of a patient with a suspected tracheal abnormality is the chest radiograph, which is poor for detection of central airway lesions. Prior to the development of CT, planar tomography was performed to better evaluate the deep layers of the chest. Tomography is rarely performed today for chest imaging. There have been major advances in chest radiography techniques secondary to improvements in electronics and computer technology that might ultimately improve plain film assessment of the central airways.