Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Coughing Hello, Dr. Qu: My 55-year-old father has been coughing for three to four months after catching a cold this winter. He has seen several traditional and Western medicine practitioners and has taken codeine, but his condition fluctuates between better and worse. He suspects...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello: Many conditions can present with a cough, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer you mentioned. It is advisable to visit a pulmonology clinic for an evaluation and to arrange any necessary tests...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Lung tumor Doctor: I would like to know about painless bronchoscopy for biopsy. Is it performed in the same way as a regular bronchoscopy, entering through the nose for the biopsy? Is the cost considered out-of-pocket? There is a 7 cm tumor that has not been biopsied yet. The doc...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. A painless bronchoscopy refers to the use of short-acting anesthetics to alleviate the discomfort experienced by patients during the bronchoscopy procedure, and there is no absolute relationship between whether the bronchoscope is inserted through the nasal cavity or th...[Read More] Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Lung tumor An 80-year-old male has been found to have a lung tumor with no symptoms. A CT scan has already been performed. What is the ratio of benign to malignant tumors in this case?
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: I am unable to provide you with an answer regarding your concerns, as there are no examination reports or medical history available. I recommend that you consult your mother's attending physician for a clearer understanding. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Understanding Breathlessness, Dizziness, and Chest Pain: Possible Causes
I'm sorry I often experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. What could be the reason for this? I have had a chest X-ray and a CT scan, both of which showed no issues. Can you please explain this, doctor?
Dr. Jian Linzhen Reply:
Your issue is somewhat difficult to define, but if both the chest X-ray and EKG are normal, then there is likely no major concern. It is advisable to follow up in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness, Dizziness, and Chest Pain: Possible Causes
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Does lung adenocarcinoma recur? Hello Doctor: My father-in-law had surgery for lung adenocarcinoma six years ago. Due to his personality, he has not returned for follow-up visits or chemotherapy. Recently, he has been feeling unwell, and a chest CT scan at the Penghu Navy Hospita...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Half Moon: Here are brief answers to your questions: 1. A preliminary assessment cannot determine the cause of the condition. If there was previously a tumor in the lower right area, it may be a recurrence, and you should consider visiting a pulmonologist. 2. If you wish t...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence: Key Insights and Guidance
Managing Pulmonary Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Follow-Up
Pulmonary cryptococcal infection nodules Hello Dr. Yang, my spouse has been diagnosed with a cryptococcal infection in the lungs. After treatment with Diflucan (fluconazole) at a dosage of 300 mg/day for 7 weeks, the CT scan showed that the nodule decreased from 1.9 cm to 1.5 cm,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Jiang: Here are brief responses to your three questions: 1. For individuals with normal immune function, if there is no deterioration of the lesions after a period of treatment for cryptococcal pneumonia, the medication can be discontinued without needing to wait for th...[Read More] Managing Pulmonary Cryptococcal Infection: Treatment and Follow-Up
Exploring Glyconutrients: Upcoming Medical Conference in Taipei
Medical Symposium Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. Recently, I have met many patients and their families who have benefited from "glyconutrients." In November, there will be a medical seminar in Taipei on this topic. You are welcome to invite any intere...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Thank you for your message![Read More] Exploring Glyconutrients: Upcoming Medical Conference in Taipei
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Chest Pain: A Patient's Journey
Pleural effusion and chest pain? My mother had no prior history of lung issues. At the end of July this year, she accompanied my father to the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital for an emergency visit, where they stayed in the emergency room all night. After returning home, she ...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of pleural effusion, some of which are benign and others malignant (cancerous). It is important to conduct further examinations and follow-ups. If there is fever and the effusion resolves, the prognosis is generally more optimistic. Please discuss thi...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Chest Pain: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Chest Pain: Insights on Lung Issues and Diagnosis
Painful breathing? Hello Doctor: At the beginning of this month, I went to the emergency room due to pain in my right chest while breathing. The doctor performed an X-ray but found no issues. An ultrasound also showed no problems. It was only during a CT scan that a shadow was di...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, including neuropathic pain, pleuritis, tumors, pneumonia, and more. A thorough examination is essential. If the examination results are inconclusive, it is generally advisable to start with anti-inflammatory treatment and observe the co...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Insights on Lung Issues and Diagnosis
Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows white spots in the lungs? Hello doctor, my mother recently underwent a full health check-up at the hospital, and the X-ray results showed white spots in her lungs. The doctor mentioned that it could possibly be a tumor and advised her to return for a follow-...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: The chest X-ray shows that there are white spots in the lungs, and there are many possible diagnoses. The most likely conditions include calcified nodules left by tuberculosis, chronic pulmonary infections, benign tumors, and malignant tumors, among others. The definitive ...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Lung X-rays: What You Need to Know
Managing a 2cm Smooth Lung Nodule in a 35-Year-Old Woman
There is a two-centimeter diameter smooth-edged mass in the lung? Dr. Jiang, for a 35-year-old female patient who has undergone various examinations (such as ultrasound and X-rays) and found a 2 cm diameter smooth-edged mass in the lung, what would be the best course of action co...
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Hello, a lung mass can be either benign (caused by inflammation) or malignant (tumor), and further examination (CT scan and biopsy) is necessary. As for treatment, it should be discussed once the cause is determined (some inflammation-related masses can be treated with medication...[Read More] Managing a 2cm Smooth Lung Nodule in a 35-Year-Old Woman
Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Thymoma Hello Dr. Chang: My father was hospitalized in August due to low hemoglobin levels, and the subsequent examination revealed a thymoma. In fact, the tumor had already formed earlier, and during several previous hospitalizations, he was only given blood transfusions for the...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Dear Friend: It is advisable to check for other potential causes of anemia. Steroids generally do not affect hematopoietic function. Your father's situation seems a bit complex, so I recommend discussing it in detail with the attending physician to thoroughly explore possibl...[Read More] Understanding Thymoma: Treatment Options and Post-Surgery Care
Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Cancer? Care Tips and Insights for Patients
Is pulmonary fibrosis cancer? How should it be managed and cared for? Dear Dr. Zhang, My husband is a heavy smoker (with about 15 years of smoking history). Recently, he went to the hospital for a cough and underwent an X-ray examination, where the doctor diagnosed him with pulm...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Anita: In Taiwan, half of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. The shadows on X-rays can present various changes, and further evaluation through computed tomography, cytological examination, and bronchoscopy is necessary for confirmation. It's important to undergo exami...[Read More] Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Cancer? Care Tips and Insights for Patients
Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Computed Tomography... Contrast Agent Hello Dr. Yang: Five years ago, I had pneumonia, and three years ago, my X-ray results were normal. However, during a recent health check-up, my X-ray indicated a possible tuberculosis infection. A family member has open tuberculosis, but I a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: There are no effective preventive methods for tuberculosis; the best approach is to maintain your immune function at an optimal level through exercise, nutrition, and sleep to avoid infection. Your chest X-ray shows suspected pulmonary tuberculosis lesions, and you have a ...[Read More] Should You Use Contrast in CT Scans for Possible Tuberculosis?
Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Hemoptysis My mother has a persistent cough and experienced hemoptysis at the beginning of the year. Since then, she has been coughing up blood in her first sputum every morning. She has visited several ENT specialists, but no issues were found in her nasopharynx. She also underw...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
First, it is important to clarify whether the blood is in the saliva or in the sputum. If there is blood in the saliva, it may originate from the nasopharynx or oral cavity, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, gingivitis, or oral cancer, among others. If the blood is in the sputum, it...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Lung Nodules and Pleural Fat Hypertrophy: Solutions and Insights
Pulmonary issues Hello, doctor: May I ask what is meant by suspected lower lung nodules or pleural fat proliferation, and how can it be improved? Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Rongren Reply:
Hello, is your concern regarding "suspected left lower lung nodule or pleural fat proliferation"? It seems that the issue with your chest X-ray is located in the left lower lung area, which can be difficult to assess due to the presence of the heart and several major bl...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules and Pleural Fat Hypertrophy: Solutions and Insights
Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Pneumothorax I am a poor student who previously studied abroad. During my first episode of pneumothorax, I was unaware of my condition and ended up sleeping for two to three days. At that time, I didn't have insurance, and as you know, a trip to the hospital or calling an am...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Justmike: After recovering from a pneumothorax, it is common to experience occasional chest pain during periods of physical exertion, changes in weather, or increased mental stress. Generally, pain relief medication should only be taken when the pain is severe. If you exper...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Disappearing Lung Nodules: Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings and Follow-Up
A suspected nodule in the lung lobe was not visible on the follow-up X-ray? In early June, I underwent a basic health check arranged by my company, which included a chest X-ray. However, due to gastrointestinal discomfort (loss of appetite and bloating), I returned to a private h...
Dr. Zhang Zhengda Reply:
Q: Is it possible for nodules to appear and disappear? A: Poor quality X-ray imaging can often lead to diagnostic issues for physicians. It is also possible that an inflammatory shadow may have resolved after a few days. You can choose to trust the diagnosis of the pulmonologist ...[Read More] Disappearing Lung Nodules: Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings and Follow-Up
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Care Options
Pulmonary fibrosis Dear Dr. Zhou, I am writing to seek your guidance regarding my mother, who is nearing her fifties and is over seventy-five years old. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis at a military hospital. Since then, her condition has gradually wor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue, with many causes remaining unknown. Some cases are triggered by specific medications (such as certain antiarrhythmic drugs). Symptoms include shortness of breath, indicating declining...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Concerns, and Care Options
Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips
Regarding lung issues? Hello Doctor, I experienced coughing up blood in January of this year after staying up late for two consecutive days and went to the emergency room. The X-ray results were normal, but a CT scan showed a white shadow in one area of my right lung. After takin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello John: Your diagnosis should be bronchiectasis with hemoptysis. If your chest pain does not show any significant abnormalities on the chest X-ray, then neuropathic pain is a more likely diagnosis. Currently, Western medicine would generally prescribe pain relievers, hemostat...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Tips