Can kidney stones be seen on xray?
My colleague mentioned she had an X-ray for her back pain and they found a stone. I thought X-rays were mostly for bones, so I'm wondering, can kidney stones actually be visible on a regular X-ray?
6 answers
9 months ago
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My doctor told me that only calcium stones are visible on a standard KUB X-ray because they block radiation. Uric acid and cystine stones are radiolucent, meaning they don't show up. That's why an ultrasound or CT is usually preferred.
9 months ago
When my back was hurting, I was so stressed that the X-ray would miss it and people would think I was making up the pain. Some stones do show up, but if yours doesn't, please demand an ultrasound. Your pain is real and deserves a proper check.
5 months ago
I have had stones twice, and in my experience, the standard X-ray can easily miss smaller stones or those hidden behind stomach gas. Don't rely solely on a basic X-ray. Ask your doctor for an ultrasound or a non-contrast CT for a clear picture.
4 months ago
At the hospital I visit, they usually start with an ultrasound or CT because X-rays can miss certain types of stones. I highly suggest asking your doctor clearly which scan is best for your specific case so you don't waste time on multiple tests.
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yrs exp
4 months ago
Yes, some can be seen, but don't try to read your own X-ray or believe online forums that say X-rays are useless. Different stones have different compositions. Only a qualified urologist can tell you what the scan results actually mean.
4 months ago
I ignored a dull ache because my initial X-ray looked okay, and later it turned out to be a 9mm stone that damaged my kidney function temporarily. Please don't take a negative X-ray as the final word if you still have symptoms. Get a proper specialist consultation.