Symptoms of Foreign Objects in the Bronchi and CT Scan Insights
Bronchial issues What symptoms may occur if there is a foreign body in the bronchus? Can a computed tomography (CT) scan assess the condition of the bronchus?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear A-Wen: Imaging studies are less reliable for detecting bronchial foreign bodies; it is recommended to perform a bronchoscopy. The most common symptom is coughing, often due to irritation, and some patients may even cough up blood. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your we...[Read More] Symptoms of Foreign Objects in the Bronchi and CT Scan Insights
Can CT Scans Detect Foreign Objects in the Trachea and Bronchi?
Tracheal issues Can a CT scan detect the presence of foreign bodies in the trachea or bronchi?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, here is a brief response: The presence of a foreign body in the bronchus typically follows a significant event of inhaling a solid object, leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing. A CT scan can only detect foreign bodies in the larger airways and main branches; small...[Read More] Can CT Scans Detect Foreign Objects in the Trachea and Bronchi?
Managing a 4.5mm Ground-Glass Nodule in the Right Upper Lung
There is a 4.5 mm ground-glass nodule in the right upper lobe of the lung? Hello, doctor. I used to smoke for ten years and have been smoke-free for four years now. Occasionally, I experience chest tightness. I found some information online and went to Chung Cheng Hospital for a ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, Currently, due to the prevalence of lung cancer in Taiwan, we encourage individuals over the age of 50 who smoke to undergo low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. Ground-glass opacities (GGO) are a common issue. Generally, if the GGO is less than ...[Read More] Managing a 4.5mm Ground-Glass Nodule in the Right Upper Lung
Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Screening: Equipment Insights in Taiwan
Equipment for low-dose computed tomography of the chest in various hospitals? Hello, doctor. Due to my family medical history, I am at high risk for lung cancer and would like to self-pay for a low-dose chest CT scan. I found information online stating that low-dose CT scans typi...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue with the equipment, please consult a radiologist. Thank you![Read More] Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Screening: Equipment Insights in Taiwan
Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Chest X-ray examination Hello, doctor. I do not consume tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut. Previously, I mentioned that I occasionally notice blood streaks in my throat (not during coughing or expectoration), and I do not have any other obvious respiratory symptoms. I have undergone...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Chen: A chest X-ray should be able to detect nodules (small tumors) larger than 1 cm. Given your age and the fact that you do not smoke or drink, you are not considered a high-risk group for lung cancer. We do not recommend an immediate CT scan (which would cost around 4000...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-rays: What They Reveal About Lung Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Left chest pain (continued inquiry) Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. I would like to ask you further: since the end of August, I have been experiencing chest pain that occurs when I take a deep breath, specifically near the left side...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ping Ping: Tumors that are very small (such as those less than 1 centimeter) are generally difficult to detect with X-rays. Currently, chest pain or headaches are not typically symptoms related to tumors (these symptoms usually appear later when there is metastasis to the p...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey
The shape of black spots? About a month ago, my father had a CT scan in Chengqing, which revealed a small dark spot. He was then referred to Veterans General Hospital, where the doctor interpreted it as having irregular edges. The hospital conducted blood tests for cancer markers...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: The inflamed area can present in any shape, and its disappearance is a reassuring outcome. It is advisable to follow the attending physician's recommendation for regular monitoring. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding the Implications of Lung Nodules: A Patient's Journey
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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 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:
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
Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Is it possible to consult with a thoracic surgeon simultaneously? The mother was hospitalized due to a liver abscess, and during an abdominal CT scan, a 0.6 cm nodule was discovered in the lung. She currently has a 3 cm liver abscess and is being treated with oral antibiotics. Th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of pulmonary nodules. If there are previous imaging studies available, it would be easier to make a determination. If there are no prior images and immediate confirmation is needed, a surgical biopsy may be required. Based on what you described, you m...[Read More] Should Thoracic Surgery Be Consulted for Lung Nodules During Infection?
Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean
Pulmonary nodules? Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother's condition. Here is the situation: My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago and underwent a right mastectomy. Since then, there has been no recurrence (the right axill...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Based on your description, it is most likely a recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Although CA 15-3 can be elevated in other cancers, it is more specific to breast cancer. Generally, the higher the tumor marker levels, the worse the prognosis. The purpose of monitor...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Elevated CA153 and CEA Levels Mean
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding lung pain? Hello! The medical condition described is as follows: About a month ago, I had a cold and consumed a considerable amount of cold beer. That night, in addition to a hangover headache, I experienced significant pain in the right side of my chest. The next day, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Given your age and the recent X-ray examination showing no abnormalities, neuropathic pain remains the most likely diagnosis. It is recommended that you relax, avoid cold water and raw fruits and vegetables (including radishes, napa cabbage, bitter melon, and bamboo shoots...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Cancer Risks: Family History and Screening Guidelines
Coughing issues? Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again. You mentioned that if there are two or more family members with lung cancer, regular CT scans should be performed. Does this refer to direct relatives only, or do collateral relatives count as well? My uncle and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Both uncles and maternal uncles are considered to have a blood relationship, but it is possible that they both smoke (the strongest risk factor). Blood tests for cancer markers can be informative, but they are not very accurate, especially for early-stage cancers, where the resul...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Risks: Family History and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Cough: Tests and Concerns for Lung Health
Cough examination Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a persistent cough and some phlegm in my throat. Besides getting a chest X-ray at the pulmonology department, what blood tests can I undergo to feel more at ease? How long does it typically take for lung cancer to develop f...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You have been experiencing respiratory symptoms for a long time! As a general principle, you should first consult a pulmonologist, who will conduct a thorough assessment based on their expertise. The radiation exposure from a CT scan is significantly higher than t...[Read More] Understanding Cough: Tests and Concerns for Lung Health
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Do You Need a CT Scan After Ultrasound?
Pleural effusion I have pleural effusion and underwent ultrasound-guided drainage, which showed no malignant bacteria upon testing. Now I need to collect sputum for examination. Is it necessary to perform a CT scan? I'm concerned about the radiation exposure from the CT scan...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the pleural effusion does not contain malignant cells, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of malignancy. If there is no definitive clinical diagnosis, a CT scan remains one of the necessary examinations, as the clinical conditions involved cannot be assess...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Do You Need a CT Scan After Ultrasound?
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Right chest tightness and pain? Hello Doctor, last week in the morning, while walking at work, I suddenly fainted and lost consciousness for a few seconds before waking up. Before fainting, I felt a tightness in my chest (I can't remember if it was the left or right side). I...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Based on your description and the tests that have been conducted, I personally believe that it could be atrial fibrillation causing a thrombus to travel from the heart to the brain, leading to temporary hypoxia and loss of consciousness. We should continue to monitor this; ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Understanding a 2.2 cm Lung Tumor: Causes of Chest and Back Pain
Pulmonary tumor measuring 2.2 centimeters? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from unexplained chest pain and back pain (her arm cannot be fully extended) as well as esophageal pain for over a month. She has seen many doctors, some of whom said the esophageal pain is due ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Hello, why do we have to wait a week for the biopsy? It seems a bit long. As for what has been described, it is all possible. If it is urgent, a PET scan can be done first, but since this is not the standard procedure, it may require out-of-pocket expenses. Additional tumor...[Read More] Understanding a 2.2 cm Lung Tumor: Causes of Chest and Back Pain