Understanding Lung CT Scans: Concerns About Nodules and Radiation Exposure
Pulmonary CT scan Hello, Chief Physician! Today I reviewed my report, and the nodule from two years ago has not changed, but there is one more nodule in another location. The internist suspects it is an infection and has advised a follow-up CT scan in three months. I am feeling v...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) can be considered; currently, there are no specific methods to reduce radiation exposure, but increasing the intake of antioxidant-rich foods may help. 2. A lung CT scan does expose the breasts to radiation, which can still have a...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Scans: Concerns About Nodules and Radiation Exposure
Unusual Chest Sounds During Exhalation: Causes and Concerns
There is a sound in the chest when exhaling forcefully? Hello, recently when I exert myself while exhaling, or during activities like coughing or laughing hard, I hear a sound from my left chest that resembles a "bloop" sound, similar to a flatulence noise, accompanied ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It should be considered abnormal, and there may be suspicion of mucus in the airway or an obstruction. Please discuss with your pulmonologist and attending physician whether a bronchoscopy or a computed tomography (CT) scan is necessary.[Read More] Unusual Chest Sounds During Exhalation: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello, Director Jian. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness. I had an electrocardiogram in January of this year, and the doctor said everything was normal. An X-ray during...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the description, it is most likely caused by asthma or stress. Please visit a pulmonologist for an examination. 2. To check for early-stage lung cancer, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Black Spots on Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows a black spot? Hello, Dr. Lu: Yesterday, I had a chest X-ray, and the doctor mentioned there was a dark spot and requested that I return in three months for a follow-up X-ray. She explained that she suspects it might be related to the bronchi and noted that ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The bronchi are part of the respiratory tract, not a disease name. It is recommended that you visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up examination, and if necessary, discuss with the pulmonologist about arranging a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Next Steps
Chest foreign body sensation On December 13, 2020, after vomiting (I remember not having a choking sensation), I felt a cool burning sensation in my left chest, particularly in the lower chest area and about 2-3 cm from the center of my chest. The next day, the cool burning sensa...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: You can schedule a computed tomography (CT) scan and a bronchoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Chest Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
I'm not sure what's wrong? In 2016, a family member was diagnosed with squamous lung cancer, despite having no history of smoking. They experienced six months of treatment, but unfortunately, it could not reverse the advanced malignant tumor that had metastasized. That ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Inquirer: If the chest X-ray is normal and you continue to have blood-tinged sputum, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for a bronchoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Abnormal shadow in the right 8th rib? A 49-year-old male patient, who is generally healthy and rarely experiences colds, recently received an abnormal health check report from a small hospital commissioned by his school. The report indicated a blood pressure of 144/98 mmHg and a ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows abnormal shadows in the ribs, which may indicate rib ossification or overlapping abnormalities in the lungs. It is recommended to follow up with the Department of Thoracic Medicine at our hospital, and a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be consi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Shadow on Right 8th Rib: What to Know
Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan necessary? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. This year, I have experienced intermittent chest tightness, chest pain, tenderness on the sides of the sternum, occasional mild coughing, and a pers...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Sonic: Do you have a history of smoking? Based on your description, a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan does not seem to be the first recommended option. It would be advisable to first conduct pulmonary function tests and autonomic nervous system evaluations, as the s...[Read More] Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Lung cancer, laryngeal cancer I have been smoking for 20 years, and I am 34 years old. I have a hoarse voice and a dry cough, smoking more than a pack a day. I went to an ENT specialist for a laryngoscopy. 1. Can a laryngoscopy detect laryngeal cancer? I noticed the doctor used...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. An examination by an otolaryngologist can visualize the pharynx and larynx, confirming that there are no growths and initially ruling out tumors! 2. A low-dose computed tomography scan will require out-of-pocket payment based on your age and condition. 3. Quitting smoki...[Read More] Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Can a CT Scan Detect Abnormal Lungs After Seven Years of Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Spontaneous Pneumothorax (CT Scan) Hello Doctor: I had bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax seven years ago (once on each side, approximately six months apart). Due to recent changes in military service classification, anyone with a history of spontaneous pneumothorax on both sides...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If your alveoli have abnormal dilation, a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan can still detect it![Read More] Can a CT Scan Detect Abnormal Lungs After Seven Years of Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Understanding Lung Nodules: Discrepancies in X-Ray Results and Next Steps
The health check report indicates the presence of some millet-sized pulmonary nodules in both lungs? Hello Doctor: On April 2nd, I underwent a physical examination at a health check-up clinic, and the diagnosis indicated that there were some millet-sized pulmonary nodules in both...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The imaging quality may vary, but we will primarily rely on the comprehensive report, which should not pose any issues! The chest and back pain resembles neuropathic pain; it is important to stay relaxed. If you have a productive cough, please visit the outpatient clinic t...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Discrepancies in X-Ray Results and Next Steps
Should I Discuss LDCT with My Doctor After Lung X-Ray Results?
I am unsure whether it is necessary to discuss with the attending physician about undergoing a further examination with LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography)? Hello Doctor, I hope it's not too presumptuous of me to ask about my two chest X-ray results. I am unable to understan...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Previously, there were no signs of recurrence at the primary site after early treatment and subsequent follow-up of the tumor. It is unlikely that there will be sudden distant metastasis. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to assess whether the small nodules in t...[Read More] Should I Discuss LDCT with My Doctor After Lung X-Ray Results?
Understanding Lung Nodules: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Questions about pulmonary nodules? Hello, Doctor. Last month, I had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, and the report indicated a 0.4 cm triangular nodule (solid white) in the right middle lung. I would like to understand whether this type of nodule is more likely to be ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
1. A pulmonary nodule does not equal lung cancer; many benign lesions present as pulmonary nodules, such as tuberculomas, granulomas, hamartomas, and inflammatory pseudotumors. Approximately 96.4% of pulmonary nodules are benign. 2. The lesion measures only 0.4 cm and is solid (w...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Symptoms of spontaneous pneumothorax and related issues with flying? Hello, Doctor. I am currently nineteen years old (height 170 cm, weight 50 kg). I experienced my first spontaneous pneumothorax in May of last year and was hospitalized for oxygen therapy, after which I was disc...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: (1) You may visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up chest X-ray (CXR). If symptoms persist, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan may be considered to check for mediastinal emphysema and the presence of bullae in the lungs. (2) Currently, there is no strong data regarding th...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax Symptoms and Air Travel Concerns
Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Can lung LDCT replace chest X-ray? Hello, the chest X-ray included in the health check-up package can be omitted if your wife is undergoing a lung LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography) scan. The LDCT is more sensitive and provides a detailed assessment of the lungs compared to a st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: LDCT, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, still has a higher radiation dose than a chest X-ray. However, it provides much clearer images of the lungs than a chest X-ray. For individuals in high-risk groups for lung cancer, LDCT...[Read More] Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Low-dose computed tomography results: Mild fibrosis in the right middle lobe and left lower lobe of the lungs? Hello Dr. Huang, on November 7, 2018, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan at the hospital. The results are as follows: Mild fibrotic change over the rig...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: The issue you described is likely a scar left after an infection. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up in one year. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Mild Lung Fibrosis Detected in Low-Dose CT Scan: What You Should Know
Understanding New Lung Shadows on X-rays: What Could They Mean?
The chest X-ray shows abnormalities? Hello, doctor. My father is 65 years old and has moderate COPD. He has experienced asthma symptoms for the past 3-4 years and occasionally coughs. During a follow-up visit on August 3rd, a chest X-ray revealed a 2 cm white shadow at the lower ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello, a chest X-ray cannot be used to screen for lung tumors due to the influence of image quality and the presence of interpretive blind spots. Therefore, a computed tomography (CT) scan is needed for further evaluation. There are many possible causes for lung shadows, and some...[Read More] Understanding New Lung Shadows on X-rays: What Could They Mean?
Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
I would like to ask what it means when a medical report indicates increased lung markings, lung nodules, and granulomas? Granulomas are small areas of inflammation in tissue that can occur due to various conditions, including infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections)...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: There are various reasons for increased lung markings, with chronic bronchitis being the most common. A proper assessment requires reviewing the actual chest X-ray, so please schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist for discussion. Lung nodules also have multiple possi...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules, Granulomas, and Increased Lung Markings: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Left chest pain? Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent left-sided chest pain (which feels like pressure) for the past year. The pain worsens with coughing and tilting my head back. I had a chest X-ray in January 2018, which was normal (I have had three X-rays during th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the chest X-ray and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) do not show any lesions sufficient to explain the chest pain, you may first consult with an orthopedic or cardiology specialist. 2. The LDCT report from June 2016 indicates infiltration; the follow-up interval s...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Could it be lung cancer? Three months ago, I had a fever and cold, and ever since recovering from the cold, I have been coughing non-stop. It's been almost three months since I got sick, and the medication hasn't helped. I’ve been increasingly stressed and worried about...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah-Cheng: I have reviewed your description, and lung cancer should be ruled out. Based on your age, chest X-ray, and the interpretation by the pulmonologist, early-stage or even late-stage lung cancer may not necessarily present with symptoms. Common symptoms such as cough, ...[Read More] Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms