Final answer:
Cotton wool or cannonball lesions on a CXR are indicative of metastasis, commonly associated with breast cancer. Other cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal tumors, and melanoma, can also cause this appearance. The presence of these lesions usually prompts further investigation to determine the primary cancer source.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cotton wool or cannonball lesions on a chest x-ray, also known as CXR, are typically indicative of metastatic spread from a primary cancer to the lungs. These lesions are named for their appearance, which resembles fluffy cotton wool or cannonballs. They are often associated with metastasis from breast cancer, though other cancers can also cause this radiographic sign, including renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal tumors, and melanoma. Lung cancer itself can metastasize to other body parts including the brain, bone, and adrenal glands.
It is important to remember that lung cancer can present itself with various signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unintentional weight loss. When these lesions are identified, further investigation is typically warranted to determine the primary source of the cancer and to facilitate appropriate treatment.