Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
Determination of malignant lung tumors? Hello Dr. Yang: I have undergone X-ray and CT scans, which confirmed that I have a malignant tumor approximately six centimeters in size in my left lung, and it has already metastasized to all lung lobes. However, the attending physician st...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mellow: The bronchoscopy examination can indeed be quite uncomfortable (unless one opts for a painless endoscopy at their own expense, which may not be available at every hospital). Additionally, I am unsure about the distance of the tumor from the chest wall. If it is clos...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
Navigating Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Key Considerations for Families
How should the management methods for lung cancer be determined? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my father, who is approximately 56 years old. A CT scan revealed a small, irregular black spot measuring less than 1 cm (about 0.9 cm). The doctor assessed that there is a 90%...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Dear Mrs. Lin, 1. In the case of early-stage lung cancer without a biopsy pathology report, it is difficult to determine whether it is benign or malignant. Typically, an assessment of cancer risk factors is conducted, such as a family history of cancer or a history of smoking. I...[Read More] Navigating Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Key Considerations for Families
Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Size of lung nodules..? My father has previously been seeing a hepatologist at the hospital and has undergone blood tests, all of which showed no abnormalities until recently when my mother noticed that he frequently caught colds. This prompted us to get an X-ray or CT scan, whic...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Ms. Wu: Lung nodules (small nodules) larger than 1 centimeter are more likely to be noticed on a standard chest X-ray. Nodules smaller than 1 centimeter require a high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan (which your father has already undergone) to be more easily detec...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Size, Risks, and Next Steps for Evaluation
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a cough with a popping sound? Hello Doctor: Since the end of last year, I have been experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness. After undergoing a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram, the results were normal, and I do not have...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jamie: Your concerns must have troubled you for a long time, so let me clarify a few points for you: 1. Since you have already undergone X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests, heart, lung, and hyperthyroid conditions, as well as anemia, have been initially ruled out...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: What to Do Next?
Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Itchy throat and cough? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking habit, approximately one pack every three days. Recently, I occasionally feel an itch in my airways that makes me want to cough, but it’s infrequent (about 3-4 times a day) and there is not much phlegm. About six months ago, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Xiao Ke: If the recent X-ray shows no abnormalities, there should not be significant issues with the lungs at this time. It may be more related to chronic pharyngitis or bronchitis. Both conditions are closely associated with smoking, so I advise you to quit smoking as soo...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Itchy Airways: Smoking and Allergies Explained
Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Recently, I've been experiencing a dull pain in the chest area? Around the end of February, I started experiencing occasional mild chest discomfort, which feels like a slight pressure or pain. It's not extremely uncomfortable, but it varies in location; sometimes it...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, Even: There are many causes of chest pain. Given that you have been sitting for a long time, have limited physical activity, and are under significant study pressure, you may feel that your chest cavity is not expanding easily, which resembles neuralgia. I recommend making...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Scans: Safety and Frequency Guidelines
Low-dose radiation computed tomography of the lungs? I would like to ask the doctor: 1. How many X-ray exposures is equivalent to the radiation dose of a low-dose lung CT scan? 2. If I undergo this scan annually, will it exceed the radiation dose that the body can safely tolerate...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Jerry: Your questions can be summarized as follows: 1. The radiation dose received from a single low-dose lung CT scan is approximately 15 times that of two standard X-ray images taken before and after positioning. 2. The annual dose limit for medical radiation exposure for...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Scans: Safety and Frequency Guidelines
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Left chest pain? Hello, since the end of October, I have been experiencing pain in the upper left area of my chest, which comes on suddenly and then goes away. Sometimes, certain positions or lifting heavy objects can trigger the pain. I'm unsure if it's heart-related, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your chest X-ray and electrocardiogram in October were normal. It seems more like neuralgia or muscle pain related to your work posture. I recommend getting up to stretch every 50 minutes while working, and to relax after work and on weekends. Moderate exercise is also adv...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Middle left of the chest? Hello Doctor, I have had this issue for two months. Prior to this, I frequently did push-ups and jogging. From my perspective, the pain is located slightly to the left of the center. Previously, I experienced significant pain when lying on my side or try...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Your issue sounds more like a skeletal muscle strain. It improves with rest, and I recommend gradually resuming chest exercises. However, you must warm up slowly, and the intensity and range of motion should be increased gradually! Wishing you well![Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Management Tips
Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission After Close Contact: What You Need to Know
Contact with tuberculosis patients? Dear Doctor: Two days ago, a masked individual came to conduct business, and we spoke in close proximity indoors for about five minutes. Later, he mentioned that he has open pulmonary tuberculosis and is currently receiving medical treatment. A...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Tuberculosis bacteria are transmitted through droplets (aerosolized particles in the air), and wearing a mask can significantly reduce the amount of droplets expelled from the respiratory tract while speaking. 2. There is a higher risk of infection only after prolonged ...[Read More] Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission After Close Contact: What You Need to Know
Understanding Skin Test Reactions for Tuberculosis: What to Expect
Tuberculin skin test (TST) Hello, doctor. I had a skin test injection on Tuesday, and after 48 hours, the result was negative with only a slight erythema but no swelling. However, after the examination (which involved palpation) at 72 hours, it has become slightly red and swollen...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
1. Each individual's constitution is different, and the reaction time to a coin-sized stimulus can vary significantly. If the diameter of the reaction reaches approximately 10mm within 72 hours, this value should be used as a reference for assessment. 2. Theoretically, there...[Read More] Understanding Skin Test Reactions for Tuberculosis: What to Expect
Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Itchy throat, cough, and chest tightness? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing intermittent dry cough at night for the past couple of days. When I take deep breaths or exhale forcefully, I feel a tightness in my chest and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary: 1. A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal. It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities. 2. A persisten...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Hello, I experienced a feeling of tightness in my chest while sleeping at night, somewhat like a cramp, and also a sensation similar to the pressure of swallowing a stone. However, it was not very intense and disappeared shortly after. The location is approximate...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. K: Based on your symptom description, there is a preliminary suspicion of heart disease (angina) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if you are experiencing symptoms such as acid reflux or upper abdominal pain. It is recommended that you visit a cardiology clinic ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
Enlargement of the right pulmonary hilum? Doctor, my mother had a health check-up and the X-ray results showed an enlargement of the right hilum of the lung. After further examination at the hospital, the doctor determined that it could possibly be due to vascular enlargement or ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Mr. Yeh, here is a brief response: 1. There is minimal exposure to lint in your work environment. 2. The hilum of the lung is composed of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and bronchial structures. The chest X-ray only raises suspicion of enlargement, and further clinical e...[Read More] Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
Do We Need TB Testing After Exposure to a Confirmed Case?
Regarding tuberculosis (TB)? Dr. Yang: Hello, my grandmother was recently hospitalized at Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. A week ago, the hospital suspected she had a tuberculosis infection, which was later confirmed. She was placed in an isolation room during the suspicion ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Tuberculosis can be transmitted through airborne droplets, but prolonged exposure is typically required for infection to occur. Generally, about one-third of household contacts will become infected (90% of those infected will never develop the disease in their lifetime), w...[Read More] Do We Need TB Testing After Exposure to a Confirmed Case?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest issues? I have a small lump on the left side of my chest (from the perspective of the person facing me) that sometimes causes mild pain when pressed firmly (about 10 times). Pressing it lightly does not cause pain, but occasionally it can suddenly hurt for about 5 seconds. ...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello Lin: The small lump on your chest wall may be a slight protrusion at the junction of the rib and cartilage (if this small lump has not gradually increased in size, it is likely not a true mass). This area will definitely be painful with repeated pressure, so it is advised n...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Chest issues? I have a noticeable protrusion of my sternum on both sides, extending up to my collarbone, which feels strange. When I wear clothes, the fabric pressing against the bones creates a sensation of tightness and pressure. During deep breaths, I feel a tightness in my le...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Abnormalities of the sternum (thoracic deformities) can be evaluated by a thoracic surgeon who can assist with pneumothorax surgery. You may also visit a pulmonology clinic for pulmonary function tests to determine if your chest tightness is related to lung function. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Sternum Issues
Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Regarding pulmonary lavage? I had a smoking history of seven years, and although I have quit for several years now, I believe that the five years of smoking may have caused some pollution in my lungs. Additionally, living in a big city for many years, I have been exposed to the e...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Lung lavage is typically used for diagnosing difficult cases, and its therapeutic application is limited to very few diseases (such as proteinaceous lung disease). There is no theoretical basis or practicality for using it to wash out smoke or dust. You have been smoke-free for s...[Read More] Is Lung Lavage Right for You? Understanding Benefits and Risks
Coughing and Urinary Leakage: What You Need to Know
Coughing can lead to urinary incontinence? Hello Doctor: I've been coughing a lot recently, and I'm experiencing urinary incontinence, so I rush to the bathroom. What should I do? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Coughing for an extended period or coughing too forcefully can put excessive pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary incontinence. It is advisable to first consult a pulmonologist to investigate and treat the underlying cause of chronic cough. Best wishes![Read More] Coughing and Urinary Leakage: What You Need to Know
Chest Pain or Digestive Issue? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Is it a problem with the chest or the gastrointestinal tract? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced a pneumothorax in my right chest. Since the tube insertion and removal, I have continued to experience pain in the right chest area (approximately around the right side of the...
Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello WETIN: Here are my responses: 1. The chest tube is inserted into the pleural cavity, not the abdominal cavity, so it is unlikely to reach the stomach (the liver is located on the right side of the stomach, which is positioned more to the left). 2. A duodenal ulcer that has ...[Read More] Chest Pain or Digestive Issue? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps