Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights for Lung Cancer Patients

Q: Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights for Lung Cancer Patients

Hello： The report appears to show no deterioration. <br>As for further treatment plans, it is advisable to refer to the explanation provided by the original attending physician, as I am unable to offer any recommendations.

Chest Computed Tomography Report

Hello Doctor, I am a stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma patient currently undergoing treatment with targeted therapy using anlotinib.
Below are the findings from my three-month follow-up chest CT report, which was ordered by the thoracic surgeon to assess the possibility of surgery, and contrast agent was used.
I have a few questions, and I would appreciate your answers.
Thank you.
1.
What does this report indicate? Is the tumor still present? Has it increased in size? I am having difficulty understanding it using Google Translate.
2.
Is there any evidence of drug resistance?
3.
If I were your patient, would you recommend surgery?
Computed Tomography of Chest With and Without Enhancement Shows:
Techniques:
- From lower neck to liver level in 3-mm section for non-contrast CT
- From lower neck to liver level in 3-mm section for contrast CT
- Coronal (3mm) and sagittal (5mm) reconstructions are also done
This study has been compared to previous CT study on 2022-06-17
Findings:
- Partial regressive change of subpleural consolidation in the upper right lower lobe (RLL) as compared with last images
- Partial regressive change of ground glass opacity in the medial RLL
- Stable 4mm nodule in the left lower lobe (LLL)
- Stable small lymph nodes at left supraclavicular, right hilar, and mediastinal regions
- Some small but visible lymph nodes at the upper retroperitoneum
- Stable right renal cyst
- Hypodense lesions without enhancement in the right lobe of the liver, may be cysts
- No definite pneumothorax.
- No definite pleural effusion.
- No definite pericardial effusion.
- Patent main pulmonary trunk and branches, no obvious thrombus noted.
- No definite double lumen, intimal flap, or medial displacement of the aorta wall suggesting aortic dissection.
- No definite adrenal mass.
- No definite hydronephrosis.
- No definite bone destruction.
- Kindly note that subtle mucosal lesions could not be well evaluated on routine CT.
IMP:
- Partial regressive change of subpleural consolidation in the upper RLL as compared with last images
- Partial regressive change of ground glass opacity in the medial RLL
- Stable 4mm nodule in the LLL
- Stable small lymph nodes at left supraclavicular, right hilar, and mediastinal regions

Xiao Ke, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/13

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: The report appears to show no deterioration.
As for further treatment plans, it is advisable to refer to the explanation provided by the original attending physician, as I am unable to offer any recommendations.

Reply Date: 2022/09/13

More Info

Understanding a chest CT report, especially for lung cancer patients, can be daunting. Your recent CT scan results provide important insights into your condition, and I will break down the findings to help clarify what they mean for you.

1. Report Interpretation: The CT report indicates that there are "partial regressive changes" in the subpleural consolidation in the upper right lower lobe (RLL) and in the ground-glass opacity in the medial RLL. This suggests that there has been some improvement or reduction in these areas compared to previous scans. The term "stable" regarding the 4mm nodule in the left lower lobe (LLL) and the small lymph nodes in the left supraclavicular, right hilar, and mediastinal regions indicates that these findings have not changed significantly over time. Stability is generally a positive sign, as it suggests that the disease is not progressing.

2. Drug Resistance: The question of whether there is drug resistance is complex. The report does not provide direct evidence of resistance to your targeted therapy (安立適). However, the presence of stable disease can sometimes indicate that the treatment is effectively controlling the cancer. If there were significant growth or new lesions, that might raise concerns about resistance. Continuous monitoring and follow-up scans are essential to assess the effectiveness of your treatment over time.

3. Surgical Consideration: Whether to recommend surgery depends on various factors, including the overall health of the patient, the extent of the disease, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Given that your report shows partial regression and stability of existing nodules, it may suggest that surgery could be considered if there are no other contraindications. However, the decision should be made in consultation with your oncologist and thoracic surgeon, who will consider your entire clinical picture, including your response to current treatments and any potential risks associated with surgery.

In summary, your CT report shows some positive signs of regression in certain areas, which is encouraging. The stability of the nodules and lymph nodes suggests that the disease is not currently progressing. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare team, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation. Regular follow-ups and imaging studies will help in monitoring your condition and adjusting treatment as necessary. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and your healthcare providers are there to support you every step of the way.

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