X-ray results, what do they mean?

[Joanne1982]

My x-ray has shown mild narrowing of disk space, straightening of cervical spine curve and more confusingly 'small calcific lesion at left side of pelvic cavity, could represent calcified node, bowl content or tooth content of left ovarian dermoid lesion'.

Can any translate the latter?

Thanks.

[Joanne1982]

Thanks.

I had 2 ultra-sounds to identify the calcific node and they weren't conclusive so have to go back to hospital in 2 months to have more tests and monitor it. Also my cervical spine is too straight so seeing the chiropractor twice a week for that.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Disk space is the space between two adjacent vertebrae of the spinal cord. Vertebrae are joined to each other by the intervertebral disc in between.This disc comprises the disc space.Your x-ray reads that the disc space has narrowed which in turn is causing the straightening of the cervical spinal curve(this curve is present normally). Loss of disc space occurs in intervertebral osteochondrosis, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, gout, neuropathic osteoarthropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, dialysis spondyloarthropathies,degenerative disc disease, sarcoidosis and alkaptonuria. Narrowing may also follow infection or trauma such as cervical hyperflexion injury and posterior apophyseal ring avulsion.(Ref: http://www.medcyclopaedia.com/library/topics/volume_iii_1/d/disc_space.aspx)

Moreover,there is a calcific lesion in the left side of pelvis which can be a calcified lymph node,calcified portion of the bowel or a left ovarian dermoid.

A calcified lymph node is like a scar.  It is a sign of an infection that took place a long time ago.An ovarian dermoid cyst is a benign type of ovarian tumor. Dermoids are bizarre because they contain many different types of cells.It may be tooth that is seen as a calcified lesion on x-rays. Dermoids often cause no symptoms but sometimes they may twist on themselves and cause severe pain, they can also rupture, producing peritonitis, or irritation of the abdominal and pelvic cavity. In order to prevent these complications, it's best to remove dermoids when they are found.

Hopethis information helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.