$Unique_ID{BRK01614}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism, Special Procedures and Laboratory
Tests}
$Title{What Does Calcification on a Chest X-ray Mean?}
$Subject{lung x-ray calcification}
$Volume{C-5, P-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does Calcification on a Chest X-ray Mean?


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QUESTION:  During my regular annual check-up, I had a chest x-ray taken.  The
doctor told me that he saw a "calcification" on the picture, but that this
was no cause for alarm.  Is he right, and what does this really mean?

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ANSWER:  Your doctor is right, you really have nothing to worry about, and
perhaps my answer will explain why.  The chances are that many years ago,
perhaps as a child, you were exposed to tuberculosis.  But, as is the case in
many of us, your body defenses were strong enough to fight off the invading
infection, and you probably were never aware of the battle going on inside
you.  However, a small part of your lung tissue was affected, and was damaged
by the infection.  During the long healing process which followed, this tissue
was filled with calcium salts, one of the body's healing mechanisms, and
became visible to the probing rays of the x-ray machine.  The calcification is
a sign that you have great body immunity against TB and will probably never
contract the disease again.  Now I am basing my story upon the fact that your
doctor recognized this.  There may be other reasons for calcifications, but
they are not part of your case.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
