Understanding Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Chest pain and shoulder pain? Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing chest tightness, sharp pain along the edges of my ribs, and pain in my back and right shoulder. I had an X-ray in May of this year which showed: No active lung lesions, normal heart size, symmetry of bo...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Early-stage lung cancer typically does not show rapid changes on a chest X-ray, but there are many blind spots that may not be visible. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan can be performed; however, since the chest X-ray appears normal, health insurance may not cover the...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shoulder Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Chest issues Hello Dr. Shen, I am 29 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. I have been wanting to quit smoking for many years but have not been able to. I have been smoking for less than 9 years and tend to feel anxious about my health. On June 2, 2022, and Decembe...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Yes, please take care of yourself and live well. Life is tough, and I can empathize with your struggles. Let go of your burdens and try to enjoy life.[Read More] Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary mass of unknown origin? Hello doctor, my mother is 66 years old and has been monitored for pulmonary nodules. We have been doing low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans every six months for the past five years, and there haven't been significant changes. However, d...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Imaging is necessary for an initial assessment of the likelihood of malignancy or benignity. A short-term follow-up can be chosen initially, and administering antibiotics and expectorants for a period of time may allow for spontaneous resolution. Additionally, among benign...[Read More] Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Pulmonary fibrosis Regular X-ray examinations show an increase in lung markings, while another hospital reported lung infiltration without mentioning lung markings. Can lung markings and lung infiltration improve, or could they progress to pulmonary fibrosis? Currently, there are...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. Essentially, pulmonary infiltration indicates the presence of inflammation, which may be symptomatic. Increased lung markings may suggest denser vascularity (clinically asymptomatic), and the interpretation of both can sometimes be subjective; a computed tomography (CT)...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Understanding CEA Levels and Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health
Abnormal CEA and Ground-Glass Opacity (GGO) Nodules? Recently, the CEA index from a health check was 7.1. A low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs was performed for the first time, revealing two scattered ground-glass nodules in the right lung measuring approximately...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: A follow-up CT scan should be performed in 4 to 6 months. If there are no changes, the follow-up interval can be extended. There should be no direct correlation with radiation therapy.[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels and Ground-Glass Nodules in Lung Health
Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? Hello Doctor, I have been told by a physician that I might have tuberculosis, but currently, I am unable to produce any sputum for testing. This situation has made me quite anxious. I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying some issues. ...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs may not always present with symptoms, and having symptoms does not necessarily mean it is tuberculosis. The general diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis involves examining chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Of course, sputum tests...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Symptoms: Key Questions and Concerns
Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Request for Interpretation of Lung CT Report In 2021, a health examination revealed ground-glass nodules with the following report: 1. Subpleural nodular ground-glass opacities with two solid small nodules located in the right upper lobe (N1: 3.4mm; N2: 2.5mm) and seven solid nod...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: No changes, don't worry, just follow up in 1-2 years.[Read More] Understanding Your Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Understanding Your Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Pulmonary CT scan report consultation? In 2021, a health check revealed ground-glass nodules with the following report: 1. Subpleural nodular ground-glass opacities with two solid small nodules located in the right upper lobe (N1: 3.4mm; N2: 2.5mm) and seven solid nodules located...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: This report indicates that multiple nodules have not changed and are likely benign. It is advisable to extend the follow-up interval to reduce radiation exposure. Wishing you peace and well-being.[Read More] Understanding Your Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Stress, Nerves, or Something More?
Intermittent sharp pain in the left chest? The individual has no prior medical history but recently discovered that their mother has stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. They have started researching related information and are uncertain whether their symptoms are due to excessive stres...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: In stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, it is important to consider whether there is bone metastasis. The following situations should be taken into account regarding chest pain: (1) Cardiac issues: A cardiologist has been consulted, and relevant tests have been conducted, so it i...[Read More] Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Stress, Nerves, or Something More?
Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Monitor or Take Action
Pulmonary CT nodule issues? At the end of 2022, a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan was performed, and the report indicated the following: Lung parenchyma: - A 0.4 cm nodule in the right middle lobe (RML) of the lung (Sr: 2 Im: 61). - A tiny nodule in the right lower lobe ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: A physical imaging assessment is required. The physician who scheduled the examination will evaluate your case and arrange for further management or follow-up. It is difficult to infer the actual imaging results based solely on the written report; however, the report indic...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Monitor or Take Action
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity: Key Insights for Lung Health
Ground-glass opacification Hello Dr. Shen, my mother underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan in 2020, which showed no significant nodules, but there was subpleural ground-glass opacification in the right lower lobe. The doctor and the report did not recommend regular...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, the two are quite different. The term "ground glass opacity" refers to a single lesion, while "infiltration with ground glass pattern" refers to a more diffuse area. You can think of it as the difference between a patch on the skin and a rash. I still r...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacity: Key Insights for Lung Health
Concerns About Blood in Sputum: A Long-Term Smoker's Health Risks
My father is a long-term smoker and has issues with phlegm? Good morning, Director Huang. I apologize for disturbing you during your busy schedule, but I have a question I hope you can answer quickly. My father is a long-time smoker and has been experiencing chronic coughing and ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah Wei, I hope this message finds you well. As a long-time smoker, regardless of whether you have any symptoms, it is advisable to undergo a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan since lung cancer is currently the leading type of cancer. The government offers subsidies fo...[Read More] Concerns About Blood in Sputum: A Long-Term Smoker's Health Risks
Understanding Chest CT Findings: A Case Study of Lung Nodules and Follow-Up
I would like to consult the physician regarding the content of this report? A 44-year-old female; Clinical Information: Right lower lobe (RLL) ground-glass opacity (GGO) measuring 0.4 cm (serial image 65) has progressed since the image from October 2020. Computed Tomography (CT) ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The report indicates that a 1.2 cm nodule in the right breast should be evaluated by a breast surgeon. The other small nodules in the lungs are recommended to be followed up in 12 months as per the report. Detailed interpretation should be correlated with clinical symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Chest CT Findings: A Case Study of Lung Nodules and Follow-Up
The Impact of Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke on Family Health
The impact of secondhand and thirdhand smoke from neighbors on family members? Hello Doctor, due to the old wiring in our home, secondhand smoke from our neighbor often circulates into our bathroom through the ducts, and the smell is quite strong. This situation has persisted for...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, sir. Research indicates a strong correlation between smoking and the incidence of lung cancer. Clinically, it is also challenging to determine whether lung cancer patients are related to secondhand smoke exposure, considering that air pollution, occupational dust and chemi...[Read More] The Impact of Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke on Family Health
Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello Dr. Yang: My family member is a breast cancer patient who just completed treatment in January of this year. Since January, they have been experiencing phlegm retention, and occasionally the phlegm is reddish-brown. They have ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The CT scan report looks fine. Sinusitis (possibly post-nasal drip) and bronchitis may cause minor mucosal bleeding, leading to changes in the color of the sputum. Since the examination showed no significant issues, try not to worry about it![Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Factory smoke and oil fume issues? Hello Doctor, my parents are currently 50 years old and have been working in a CNC factory for 30 years, inhaling industrial oil mist and exhaust gases. Although the factory has ventilation, I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Doe...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: The public is aware that air pollution in the environment and workplace can indeed increase risks, but the risk associated with airborne contaminants in the workplace cannot currently be quantified. Generally, regular occupational health examinations are conducted for norm...[Read More] Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels: Is 2.78 ng/ml Normal or Concerning?
Health Check Report CYFRA 21-1 I would like to ask the doctor if a CYFRA 21-1 level of 2.78 ng/ml is considered normal. The reference range in the health check report is 2.37 ng/ml, and the report indicates that the CYFRA 21-1 value is elevated. However, I found that the general ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The standard values after calibration of each testing instrument may vary slightly. Biomarkers (CYFRA 21-1 or CEA) are not used to diagnose malignant tumors, and clinically, a transient elevation in these values does not lead to a high suspicion of tumors. Typically, follo...[Read More] Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels: Is 2.78 ng/ml Normal or Concerning?
Should You Follow Up on Lung Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT?
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello, Doctor. My family has a history of lung cancer, and I recently underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. The results showed two nodules measuring 0.2 cm and a "right middle lobe motion artifact or a small gr...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the public: Lung nodules and lesions do require monitoring or further examination, but the timing for follow-up should be determined based on their imaging characteristics. It is not possible to provide a definitive course of action at this moment. I recommend discussing t...[Read More] Should You Follow Up on Lung Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT?
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights
The retest of the ground-glass opacities is still ongoing? Seventeen years ago, my mother discovered an approximately 8mm ground-glass nodule at the age of 46. She underwent surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, which confirmed it was stage 0 lung adenocarcinoma (she is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Kai: Regarding your question, 1. The presence of ground-glass opacities is not a concern; however, we cannot rule out the possibility of other issues, so regular HRCT scans are necessary. 2. For the interpretation of the scans, please consult your physician. 3. If you are un...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights