Are all solid masses (lumps) typically detectable via film x-ray?

Question

I was wondering if plain film x-rays can pick up all solid masses. If one feels a rock-hard mass, but a plain film x-ray fails to detect it, does that indicate it's not a truly hard, solid mass?

I know soft tissue and fluid-filled masses aren't, but what about masses that are rock-hard-palpable?

Hi Michelle,

I didn't think so. All of my research suggests that's the case, but I wasn't sure--you never know with the flakey info. on the Net nowadays. I guess that's a good sign in my case, as I have a solid, hard, fixed lump on the surface of my clavicle-manubrium junction which did not show up at all on several film x-rays. Thanks.

Answer 1

If the mass is solid and not fluid filled, it will be evident on the film.
Hope everything goes well for you...Glad I could help!

Answer 2

X-Rays are getting to be an old fashion quick way to diagnose a problem that's evident IE:Broken bone, Etc. if a doctor thinks there's something to be more concerned about usually he orders an MRI's and CAT's and now they have three dimensional CAT's that are amazing, I had one of my heart.
If you've had a X-Ray on a soft spot of tissue it probably won't show anything other than a slight shadow that the most experienced technologist would see.
An MRI of a spot like your saying would probably show up as a shadow that would be spotted but not in detail. If the doctor thought of detail he'd maybe order a series and of detail. He'd have to be suspicious like you are now.

This is the time to bring it up to him. I'll tell you right now, an average human has about 11 tissue cysts or water cysts. Most of them should be left alone unless there in a bad spot, on the face or places like that. It's sometimes frugal to forget surgery, which can create problem, than to operate and, burning can leave a scar.

Answer 3

If the mass is hidden behind another body part, it will not show on regular x-ray. You need to have your physician order an MRI of that area, especially if you are having trouble. Sometimes synovial fluid will create a hard mass. Either way, go back and get help from your physician to make sure.