Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Calcification nodules in the right lung detected during health check-up? Hello Doctor: About two months ago, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, and the chest X-ray revealed a few small white spots in my right lung. The physician mentioned that these are likely calcifica...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please bring all relevant information, including the CT scan and chest X-ray, to consult with a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Calcifications in the Right Lung: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Worry About Cancer Risk?
Pulmonary nodule A month ago, I paid for a low-dose CT scan that indicated several nodules measuring 3-5.5 mm in both lung lobes, and my CEA level was elevated; the standard is 3.2, and mine is 4.2. Recently, I also felt lymph nodes in my armpit. Does this mean I have a high prob...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please visit the pulmonology clinic and bring your CT scans and relevant information for the physician's assessment.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Worry About Cancer Risk?
Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Emphysema Hello, doctor. I have a history of asthma and I smoke. Recently, after exercising, I experienced shortness of breath for a few days. I went to Hospital A's emergency department, where an X-ray showed normal results. The next day, I visited Hospital B for an outpati...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: For individuals who smoke long-term, or those with a tall and slender physique, or during an asthma attack, bronchoconstriction can prevent the complete exhalation of air, leading to hyperinflation (appearing darker on a chest X-ray). The physician indicated that normal fi...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema: Diagnosis Discrepancies and Lifestyle Impact
Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Post-pneumothorax surgery Hello, I am a second-year music student. Three months ago, I had a spontaneous pneumothorax (on the left side) and underwent surgery. I would like to ask if I will be able to play the saxophone in the future, as it requires significant effort to exhale a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to discuss with the surgeon who suggested the operation. Additionally, you may ask the physician if there are any other pulmonary abnormalities, such as apical blebs, especially if a chest CT scan has been performed.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pneumothorax: Can I Play Saxophone Again?
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Do nodules require a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs? Last year, during a health check-up, a chest X-ray revealed an abnormality in one lung, prompting me to return to the hospital for a follow-up. The doctor arranged for a second set of images that day (the f...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is important to inform your physician about your smoking history. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray every six months, and you may consider undergoing a CT scan. Please discuss this further with your pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Nodules?
Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Questions Regarding Changing Treatment Countries for Tuberculosis Hello Dr. Jian, I am a Taiwanese expatriate who has been working in China for many years, and my spouse is Chinese. Recently, I was diagnosed with a positive tuberculosis (TB) test due to persistent coughing in Aug...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
1. Whether there is health insurance; if there is no health insurance, treatment can be provided without insurance status. 2. Whether the individual holds Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality. 3. Whether there is a bacterial strain identification report, whether there is a drug...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis Treatment Transition from China to Taiwan: Key Questions
Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Pain with deep breathing? Hello Doctor: Last month, after having a cold, I have been experiencing a persistent itchy throat and dry cough for the past month. I have taken both Western and Chinese medicine, which have slightly alleviated the cough, but I still have a dry cough. Wh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of significant pain points makes the likelihood of lung issues lower. Low-dose computed tomography is used for screening early lung tumors; however, at 26 years old, and without a family history, it is currently not recommended. Nevertheless, if the persistent...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks
A chest CT scan revealed several tumors approximately four centimeters in size? Hello Doctor: My father was suddenly hospitalized on October 8, 2016, due to a high fever and respiratory distress with wheezing. After a chest CT scan, a dark spot was found on the right side of his ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR JESSICA: Currently, you are on anticoagulants, and you need to stop them for at least a week before the examination. A tuberculoma is a possibility, but four centimeters is somewhat large. It would be best to find old films for comparison, as this may eliminate the need for ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks
Can Chest X-rays and CT Scans Detect Pleural Mesothelioma?
Regarding pleural mesothelioma? I would like to ask if pleural mesothelioma can be seen on chest X-rays, low-dose lung CT scans, and PET scans?
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: CT scans cannot differentiate cell types; however, abnormal shadows of a certain size can be detected, which can then be further evaluated through clinical diagnosis.[Read More] Can Chest X-rays and CT Scans Detect Pleural Mesothelioma?
Unexpected Hemoptysis During Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Know
During the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, there is a sudden onset of hemoptysis? Hello Doctor: My mother is currently being treated for tuberculosis and has been undergoing treatment for over four months. Previously, her X-ray showed cavities, and she has also had a CT scan...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hemoptysis indicates a worsening of pulmonary tuberculosis. Given the presence of cirrhosis and splenomegaly, it may be necessary to check for a decrease in platelet count. A follow-up visit to the hospital for physician evaluation is recommended to assess whether there is a fung...[Read More] Unexpected Hemoptysis During Tuberculosis Treatment: What to Know
Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Dental or Pulmonary Concerns?
Sputum with blood streaks? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my phlegm sometimes contains streaks or spots of blood. When I touch a specific gap between my teeth with a tissue, it also bleeds, but I can't see any blood in the gap when I look in the mirror. I have h...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Based on your description, it seems more like bronchitis. However, if the symptoms are originating from other areas, please have a dental or ENT examination. Currently, a CT scan is not necessary. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Sputum: Dental or Pulmonary Concerns?
Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: A Patient's Journey
Physical discomfort? Hello, Doctor. About a month and a half ago, I suspected that I inhaled some debris through my nose, and since then, I have been unable to clear it. I didn't pay much attention to it, but the next day, I developed a strong sensation of a foreign body in ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Based on the symptoms described, it appears to be a nasal issue. It could be due to allergies, foreign bodies, sinusitis, or other conditions. Please visit an otolaryngologist for further examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Chest Discomfort: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Pulmonary issues? Hello Dr. Jian, A year ago, during a health check-up, I underwent a chest X-ray and a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. The report indicated suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (I have not experienced any cough or symptoms). I have been followed up in the ou...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
(1) The three small nodules later connected are likely not tumors; they could be pulmonary tuberculosis. A biopsy and bronchoscopy can be performed. If these two procedures are not done, or if they are done without conclusive results, a trial treatment for tuberculosis can be con...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
There are white spots in the thoracic cavity, and the CA 19-9 level is 37.41? I have a family history of palpitations and anemia. Recently, I experienced a recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have changed my diet and no longer eat fried or spicy foods. I lost ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There is a localized protrusion in the right upper mediastinum. Please visit the pulmonology department for a follow-up examination as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: CA199 Levels and Heart Palpitations
Understanding Your Cough: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Doctor, please help me! Thank you! (The content is quite long... I hope you understand, doctor.) Hello, doctor! I have previously undergone an endoscopy, which diagnosed me with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, since one night at the end of June, I experience...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ting-er: Based on your description, I still believe it is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given your age, the likelihood of malignancy is relatively low, especially since you have already undergone an X-ray. Now, let's discuss gastroesophageal reflux....[Read More] Understanding Your Cough: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Regarding pleural effusion? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, my father was hospitalized at Lin Shin Hospital, where his blood sugar was found to be over 700, and he was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes. He is now monitoring his blood sugar daily, which has been controlled. How...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The classification of lung cancer should be based on the pathology report and cannot be inferred. The side effects of current chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significantly decreased, and most patients can tolerate them. For treatment details, it is best to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Nodules: What New Spots on X-Ray Mean
Pulmonary nodules? Hello, doctor. My mother had a chest X-ray last year that revealed a white spot, and the doctor recommended continuous monitoring. Recently, during her follow-up X-ray, the original spot had not changed, but a new spot appeared. The doctor suggested a low-dose ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray follow-up shows new lesions that require further evaluation. You can wait for the CT scan to be completed before discussing with the physician.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What New Spots on X-Ray Mean
Chronic Cough: Exploring Causes Beyond Allergies and Infections
Tracheal and bronchial foreign bodies Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and while the symptoms of the cold have resolved, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over three months now. The previous cold symptoms are gone, but I feel an itchiness in my...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR DINO: After undergoing numerous tests and seeing various doctors, the only issue identified is an allergy. Additionally, the results from the 64-slice CT scan have not yet come in, which may require further examination of IgE and eosinophil levels. If the environmental condi...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Exploring Causes Beyond Allergies and Infections
Persistent Phlegm in Throat After Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
Throat phlegm obstruction issue? Hello doctor, thank you for your response. I have recently had a cold and coughed for a month and a half before the cough subsided. Although there has been some improvement, I am still worried about lung issues, especially since I have been smokin...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Based on your questions, it seems that both the chest X-ray and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) have been performed without any issues. Your symptoms appear to be more indicative of post-nasal drip. Please follow up with the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) departme...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm in Throat After Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
How Long Should You Wait Between Lung Health Checkups?
The duration from Stage 1 to Stage 2 typically varies depending on the specific condition or disease being referenced. Please provide more context for a more accurate answer? Hello Dr. Zhou, During a health check-up at a hospital in Yilan, I voluntarily underwent a low-dose 64-s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the reasonable follow-up for pulmonary nodules via computed tomography is every 3 months. If there is a tendency for enlargement, surgical resection is recommended. Considering disease progression, the amount of radiation exposure is relatively less important. Best wishes ...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait Between Lung Health Checkups?