Understanding Suspected Vascular Shadows in Chest CT Reports
Health Checkup CT Report Hello, doctor. I underwent a health check-up arranged by my company in late May this year and received the report. I would like to ask what does "suspected vascular shadow in the hilar and sub-hilar region" mean?
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, the report from your chest CT scan indicates "hilar and subhilar region: suspected vascular shadow," which suggests that an image resembling a blood vessel has been observed in that area. The term "suspected" indic...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Vascular Shadows in Chest CT Reports
Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
The health check report indicates a solid nodule in the right upper lobe of the lung. Should it be monitored? Dear Dr. Zhou, I am currently about to turn 30 in a month. I had a health check-up in early May, which included a low-radiation chest CT scan. Recently, I received the r...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: As previously suggested, please visit the pulmonology department for an evaluation of the "risk factors" by a physician, and then discuss the follow-up with the doctor.[Read More] Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Issues: When to See a Pulmonologist
Upper abdominal issues? Hello Doctor, I have a question. There is a protruding lump in the lower right side of my chest (approximately at the location of the underwire of my bra), and it is slightly painful when pressed. What could this condition be? I will be going to a health c...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, my specialty is pulmonary medicine. Regarding your statement, it is indeed not possible to provide online diagnosis. I can suggest some possible directions: the pulmonary department can perform a chest X-ray to clarify any issues within the thoracic cavity or identify any ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Issues: When to See a Pulmonologist
Understanding Lung Nodules: Rapid Changes and What They Mean
Regarding pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor, I recently received my company's health check report, which indicated a suspected lung nodule in the right upper lung apex on the X-ray. I had a CT scan done out of pocket a year and a half ago that showed no abnormalities. Is it po...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to follow up. If you have any concerns, please consult the pulmonology outpatient clinic. The term "suspected" indicates that the reporting physician is also unable to confirm the findings. X-rays have limitations and may produce false shadows. ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Rapid Changes and What They Mean
Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
Could you please provide some specific questions regarding lung examinations? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with anxiety disorder and health anxiety. I would like to ask you some questions, and I appreciate your help. Thank you, Doctor. 1. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 last yea...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear JAMES: First, I apologize for the late response. 1: The impact of COVID-19 on the lungs, if there are no significant symptoms at the time of infection, is unlikely to lead to changes such as pulmonary nodules; the primary effect on the lungs would be fibrosis. 2: No. 3: No, ...[Read More] Common Concerns About Lung Health: Answers for Anxiety Patients
Understanding Follow-Up Care for Pneumothorax: X-Ray Importance and Recovery
Follow-up for pneumothorax? Hello, I would like to ask: Previously, I had a pneumothorax and had a drainage tube placed to remove the air. When I was discharged, the doctor mentioned that I should have an X-ray during my next follow-up visit to check the situation. However, due t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, regarding the question you raised, I cannot accurately determine why your attending physician did not follow up with an X-ray during your return visit, as I am not aware of their primary considerations. If I were your attending physician, it might be because you no longer ...[Read More] Understanding Follow-Up Care for Pneumothorax: X-Ray Importance and Recovery
Is a Whiter Right Lung a Sign of Disease or Just Normal Variation?
The right lung appears whiter than the left lung? The doctor performed an X-ray and lung function tests, and everything appeared normal. However, he noted that the right lung seems to be whiter than the left lung. Normally, lung images should be symmetrical. The physician suggest...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: This pertains to a clinically specific interpretation of an X-ray. Please discuss this with your physician during your appointment.[Read More] Is a Whiter Right Lung a Sign of Disease or Just Normal Variation?
Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Is it safe to undergo LDCT while having a cold? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a long-term cough with blood, and I have scheduled a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for next Monday, May 22. However, I currently have a cold and a sore throat. Will having a cold af...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Generally, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is used for lung cancer screening. If there are acute symptoms, there may be pneumonia or other pulmonary infiltrates, which could present additional abnormal shadows on the imaging. However, if the purpose is to perform a che...[Read More] Can a Cold Affect LDCT Results? Important Considerations for Patients
Understanding Low-Dose Chest CT Reports: Implications for Cancer Recurrence
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs The CT of the chest without contrast enhancement shows: - Low sensitivity of non-contrast CT scan. - Irregular opacity in the left upper lobe (1.5 cm, SE5 IM35). - No mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. Given the history of gastr...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: A 1.5 cm shadow has been detected; please consult a thoracic surgeon for evaluation to determine if there is a suspicion of a tumor. It is important to assess whether surgical intervention is necessary, especially if it is a new formation. The potential for recurrence or m...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Chest CT Reports: Implications for Cancer Recurrence
Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Patients with severe anxiety disorder experience heightened anxiety during low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello Doctor, I have two questions I would like to ask, and I hope you can help clarify them for me. Thank you. I have generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The presence or absence of a disease will not change the results of the report, regardless of whether you review the report. Please return for a follow-up to discuss the report with your physician. 2. Different populations cannot be directly compared in data.[Read More] Understanding the Anxiety of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer Detection
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chest pain and back pain? I have been experiencing chest pain for a year, lasting for a few seconds each time. The pain occurs intermittently near the right side under the clavicle and is difficult to describe. I have undergone X-rays and a CT scan, and a pulmonologist suggested ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If your symptoms are suggestive of neuropathic pain, it is recommended to see a neurologist. If you also experience respiratory distress, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your help in reviewing my test results, as I have some questions I would like to discuss? I have been experiencing a long-term cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medicatio...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult the original prescribing physician regarding the relevant test reports, as they can provide explanations in conjunction with your original symptoms, other medical history, or family history.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest Scan: Key Insights for Chronic Cough and Throat Phlegm
Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Pulmonary nodules I would like to ask the doctor, after a CT scan, a 1 cm pulmonary nodule was found in the left upper lung, which has increased by 0.2 cm compared to two years ago. I have seen a surgeon who believes it is a benign hamartoma. What would the doctor recommend for m...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiaomei: It is recommended to undergo another CT scan in 6 to 12 months. If you are still concerned, minimally invasive thoracic surgery is very advanced now and can directly remove the issue. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Management and Treatment Options
Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Dad is intubated in the intensive care unit? Hello, doctor. My father went to the emergency room in early March due to physical discomfort, which was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection (after chest X-ray and CT scan) leading to fever and sepsis (with a white blood cell count ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai: It is advisable to perform a tracheostomy if you cannot be weaned off the ventilator in the short term. Keeping a chopstick in your mouth continuously is quite uncomfortable. After the tracheostomy, you can still train to wean off the ventilator. If it is truly imp...[Read More] Navigating Critical Care: A Father's Battle with Pneumonia and Ventilation
Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
X-ray and low-dose CT (computed tomography)? Hello Doctor: I have a smoking history of 15 years and have quit for about a year. On January 30 of this year, due to my past smoking habits, I wanted to get a low-dose CT scan in the pulmonology department. However, after getting an X...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Chest pain cannot definitively indicate the presence or absence of lung cancer. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Should You Get a Low-Dose CT Scan After Smoking? Expert Insights
Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Early Detection
Discovery of pulmonary nodules? Hello, doctor! During a company health check, a shadow was found in my right lung, and after follow-up at the hospital, a 0.6 cm nodule was confirmed in the right lower lung. The doctor immediately mentioned that if this is removed now, it would be...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is not possible to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant based solely on imaging without a pathological biopsy report. Clinicians will consider the patient's age, the quantity of smoking history both past and present, family history of lung malignancies...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know About Early Detection
Understanding a 0.6cm Lung Nodule: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary nodule measuring 0.6 cm? Hello, doctor! Recently, a health check at my company revealed a shadow in my lungs, and a CT scan at a major hospital confirmed a 0.6 cm nodule in my right lung. The doctor suggested that I observe it for three months and then have another CT s...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The described 0.6 cm nodule could be benign or an early-stage lung cancer. Please follow up with a CT scan in 3 months and discuss the details further with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding a 0.6cm Lung Nodule: What You Need to Know
Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Pulmonary tuberculosis may relapse after treatment? Hello Doctor: Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis and completed a two-year treatment course as directed by my physician. I did not have any follow-up afterward. In January and February of...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Peipei: Regarding your questions, 1. Abdominal tuberculosis indeed requires a pathological and microbiological diagnosis for confirmation. 2. It is recommended that TB patients undergo a chest X-ray (CXR) annually for monitoring. 3. Currently, the diagnosis cannot be confirm...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Recurrence: Symptoms, Testing, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Treatment Risks in Families
Tuberculosis-related issues? Hello, Doctor! My father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in 2020 and was hospitalized for nearly a year for treatment. After that, both my mother and my daughter tested positive and received preventive medication. I, myself, tested nega...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Megan: Thank you for your inquiry. 1. You had a nodular shadow in the past, which suggests that you may have had an infection that is currently in a dormant state as a granuloma. Although preventive medication was administered, it may not have completely eradicated the inf...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Treatment Risks in Families
Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Lung Adenocarcinoma: Key Considerations
Follow-up for Lung Adenocarcinoma Hello Dr. Huang, I underwent a thoracoscopic surgery this month to remove a 0.6 cm ground-glass nodule, which was diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma (Acinar type). The doctor recommended some follow-up: 1. Schedule an MRI with contrast for the brai...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Jay: After undergoing a PET scan, if the findings are limited to the lungs, there is no need for frequent follow-up chest X-rays. For the first two years, a CT scan should be performed every six months, and thereafter, further imaging will be based on necessity. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Post-Surgery Follow-Up for Lung Adenocarcinoma: Key Considerations