Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
Routine X-ray of the chest is not justified in staging of patients with primary breast cancer
Katrine Lind1, Kaveh Borhani-Khomani2, Mette Okholm1
1Department of Breast Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Hospital.
Introduction:
Chest X-rays (CXRs) are performed routinely as part of staging of primary breast cancer patients in most breast units in Denmark. However, several international studies have found exceedingly low detection rates for occult pulmonary metastatic disease among breast cancer patients. Even so, no data have previously been published on Danish patients.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted of all breast cancer patients undergoing CXRs at the Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev Hospital, from April 2016 to December 2017. The primary outcome was detection of pulmonary metastases on CXRs at the time of the patient's breast cancer diagnosis. The follow-up period was 12 months.
Results:
A total of 1,014 patients were included in this study. Among these, 11 (1%) had a positive CXR and 1,003 (99%) had a negative CXR. Three (0.3%) patients were diagnosed with lung metastases but had false negative CXRs. The sensitivity was 0%, the specificity was 98.9%, the positive predictive value was 0% and the negative predictive value was 99.6%.
Conclusion:
Routine preoperative CXR did not impact staging or lead to changes in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Therefore, routine CXR cannot be justified and should be omitted.
Funding:
none.
Trial Registration:
The study was approved by the local hospital legal department (Herlev and Gentofte Hospital) as quality assurance research (workzone number: 19000557).
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:24X-ray Imaging