Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old (she has diabetes and is undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B). She experienced shortness of breath while walking, and an X-ray at a hospital revealed fluid accumulation in her right lung. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. If no abnormalities are found in the PET scan, the likelihood of cancer is low, and you can continue to monitor with imaging or consider further pleural biopsy (of course, there should be enough pleural effusion to ensure safety during the procedure). 2. Targeted therap...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Regarding lung issues? My wife participated in a company health check in mid-April and recently received a report stating: "Suspected small nodule in the right upper lung, possibly a granuloma." Since last year's report did not show any abnormalities, we took her t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary nodules may be related to infections (usually accompanied by cough symptoms) such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, or residual scarring from pneumonia. They may also indicate early-stage tumors (but growth rate should be monitored, typically every 2-3 months)....[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Health
Should I Seek a Second Opinion for Lung X-Ray Findings?
Should I consult other doctors? Hello Doctor: This year, the X-ray report from the employee health check, conducted in a smoke-free environment without dust exposure, showed an abnormality in the left hilum of the lung. After a follow-up appointment with the pulmonologist, the do...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Other hospitals may provide similar statements. If you want to confirm, a CT scan can be performed (but it involves higher radiation exposure).[Read More] Should I Seek a Second Opinion for Lung X-Ray Findings?
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Shoulder pain? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my father. He was diagnosed with stage III lung cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 2013. After completing the treatment, he has been under continuous follow-up, with X-rays every two months and CT scans ever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: All imaging examinations have limitations in their ability to detect lesions below a certain size, which may not be clearly visible. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary to detect any issues as early as possible for appropriate management.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
There is a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size in the left lung lobe? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother has been experiencing a cough due to a cold for about a month. Her condition has been fluctuating, and in the past two weeks, she has been coughing up phlegm with blood s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
A 2-3 cm nodule or mass in the lungs may be indicative of inflammation (such as pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infection), but it could also be a lung tumor (benign or malignant, which can only be distinguished through pathology reports). The attending physician will arrange fo...[Read More] Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
X-ray findings show calcified nodules in the hilar region, which may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. However, if there are no signs of coughing, is it possible to transmit the infection to others? I sometimes come into contact with dust at work, and even though I wear a mask, I ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules indicate a previous lung inflammation (which may have manifested as a cough or fever years ago, without an X-ray taken). After healing, the tissue at the site of the original inflammation undergoes fibrosis and calcification as a repair process, similar t...[Read More] Calcium Nodules in Lungs: Understanding TB Risks Without Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chronic cough Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a chronic cough for about several months, with the main symptoms being a dry cough and an itch in my chest (not in my throat). The most notable feature is that I do not cough at night, but I do cough during the day when I am wo...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear N: Early screening for lung cancer primarily relies on low-dose CT scans. The clinical symptoms of cancer are not specific, so using symptoms for comparison lacks consistency. Based on your description, the likelihood of allergic cough should be considered as the main possib...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Cough with chest pain? Hello doctor, my mother started coughing around the 20th of last month and now her speech is reduced to a whisper. She is currently speaking with little strength. She has been visiting clinics for treatment and was referred to a larger hospital last week. I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been mentioned, the most important factor may still be the results of the CT scan, which will help determine if further examinations are necessary. The report should be available in 1-2 days. If you need to see a doctor urgently, you can inquire with the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Chest Pain: Insights from Pulmonary Medicine
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Itchy Sensations and Possible Causes
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Zhang, Last year, I experienced a recurring itchiness in my right thoracic cavity when breathing. I visited a pulmonologist and underwent a CT scan, which showed no issues with my lungs. However, when I press on my right sternum,...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if the pulmonologist has conducted examinations and even completed a chest CT scan, substantial issues can likely be ruled out. Pulmonary function tests may provide some additional insights. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Itchy Sensations and Possible Causes
Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Is there a relationship between abnormalities in the upper left lung X-ray and a rapid heartbeat? My mother is 65 years old (non-smoker, non-drinker, with a light diet, and no family history). A year ago, an X-ray revealed mild pneumonia in the lower right lung, which was treated...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There is a pre-existing mitral valve prolapse, which may cause chest discomfort symptoms; further evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended. 2. The abnormality in the left upper lung cannot be determined from the text; a follow-up examination at the original hospital ...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Left Lung X-Ray Abnormalities and Rapid Heartbeat?
Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Itchy sensation in the thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Chou, Last year, I experienced recurrent colds and bronchitis. I feel an itch in my right chest cavity when I breathe, which makes me very worried. I have already visited a pulmonologist and had a CT scan, and the doctor said the...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Most structural issues should be clear from the CT scan. Other functional tests, such as pulmonary function tests, may also be necessary. For further invasive examinations like bronchoscopy, please discuss with a pulmonologist whether it is needed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Itching: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Imaging Interpretation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Dear Dr. Zhou, My wife was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, which has spread to both lungs. After examination, the doctors determined that targeted therapy was not suitable, and the effectiveness of conventional ch...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Imaging studies may not definitively tell you what it is. Therefore, each method of monitoring or biopsy has its pros and cons. From a diagnostic standpoint, to confirm the possibility, surgery may still be necessary. However, since it is an invasive procedure, please disc...[Read More] Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Coughing intermittently for more than two months? Hello, doctor. I traveled abroad in December, and during that time, I started to catch a cold, which later developed into a cough. Initially, around January, my cough became severe, and the phlegm was green. After seeing the docto...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be chronic bronchitis. The primary recommendation is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. When air quality is poor, it is advisable to wear a mask. To determine if there is lung cancer, a chest X-ray or CT scan is necessary, as a diagnosis c...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Chest X-ray issues (with image) The report indicates a suspected small square-shaped shadow near the left upper lung in the third intercostal space, close to the mediastinum, which may also be an image of nearby bone. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evalu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, you can change your position and take another image or proceed directly with a chest CT scan. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Understanding Chronic Cough with Blood: Causes and Next Steps
Coughing with discomfort in the trachea and blood-tinged sputum? Hello, Doctor. Ever since I recovered from a prolonged cough four years ago, I now experience discomfort in my trachea and sometimes notice blood in my cough whenever I catch a cold and cough. (Four years ago, my co...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You may want to visit an otolaryngologist to check for any nasopharyngeal and sinus issues. Additionally, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a repeat chest X-ray. Please consult with the pulmonologist to determine if a chest CT scan, bronchoscopy, or other examin...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough with Blood: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Itchy sensation in the left thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Jian: I previously had a cold and coughed up blood. I later had a CT scan, and the doctor said my lungs were fine and my lung function was normal. However, I now cough less, but I often feel an itch in my left chest cavity (w...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a bronchoscopy. Sincerely, [Your Name].[Read More] Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
There is a noticeable pain in the upper right chest and near the armpit? Hello Doctor: 1. I have been smoking for about 10 years. The dentist said I have periodontal disease, and my teeth are prone to inflammation and food getting stuck. Occasionally, I cough up blood, but I&#x...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Chest pain upon palpation is often due to localized neuromuscular pain. When chest pain reaches a certain severity in lung cancer, it is often due to invasion of the pleura. A chest CT scan has been performed; please discuss this further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Lung abnormalities have been present for over two months, and the cause is still unknown? Hello, doctor. My mother is 70 years old and has recently shown abnormalities in her lungs. The situation is as follows: 1. A few years ago, she had pulmonary tuberculosis in her right upp...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Without imaging data, it is difficult to determine which condition is more likely. Based on your description, diagnosis may not be easy; a 7 cm increase in size over 9 months raises concerns for a tumor that cannot be ruled out. A bronchoscopy should be performed to check ...[Read More] Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient