CT Scan for Fish Bone Detection: Is Contrast Dye Necessary?
General chest computed tomography (CT) scan? Hello doctor, on February 24th during lunch, I swallowed a fishbone (it was about 1-1.5 cm long, from a white ribbon fish). Three days later, I experienced some chest tightness and sharp pain, but it was very brief. Currently, besides ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Li: It would be better to use contrast agents, but we can observe the situation first. If it is a medical condition, you can use health insurance. If a low-dose CT scan is needed, it will cost approximately 3,500 to 4,500. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] CT Scan for Fish Bone Detection: Is Contrast Dye Necessary?
Understanding Low-Dose CT Results: Lung Collapse and Fibrotic Bands Explained
Low-dose computed tomography results? Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which showed no visible lung nodules, but there were areas of atelectasis or fibrotic bands in the right middle lobe, left lower lobe, and lingula. No obvious...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Long: The report from the computed tomography scan indicates old changes consistent with atelectasis, which in medical terms is interpreted as incomplete expansion. This is mostly caused by poor function of the local bronchial wall's fibrous tissue. There is no sign...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Results: Lung Collapse and Fibrotic Bands Explained
Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Consider Surgical Removal?
The concerns of pulmonary nodules? Hello, Director Huang. I was diagnosed with stage I nasopharyngeal carcinoma in January 2022. A PET scan showed normal lungs, but during a follow-up CT in December 2022, a 0.8 x 1.3 mm oval non-solid nodule was found in the right lung. A broncho...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xia: It is recommended to proceed with direct excision. Currently, thoracoscopic surgery is very convenient and safe. A 1.3 mm excision would provide more peace of mind. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Consider Surgical Removal?
Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Risks in Family Members
Questions related to pulmonary tuberculosis? 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, mys...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Megan: In 2020, your father had tuberculosis, so it is most likely that he was the source of transmission. Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted within households. Currently, the incidence rate in Taiwan has decreased to 31 per 100,000. The chance of contracting it from outs...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Transmission and Risks in Family Members
Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: Causes and Next Steps
Hello, Director Huang. I have been experiencing pain after a recent car accident? On January 28, I went to the emergency room after a car accident. Besides external bruises, I experienced left-sided chest pain rated around 2 to 4 out of 10. The pain felt like it was on the surfac...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: Based on your description, in addition to the impact, it is likely related to your history of pneumothorax and severe scoliosis (which may be causing respiratory limitations and pain). If there is no improvement, I recommend scheduling a CT scan to rule out other c...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Thymus Remnants: Implications for Chronic Cough and Health
Please let me know your questions regarding the examination report? Hello Dr. Huang, I have been experiencing a persistent cough and often feel phlegm in my throat. I have seen many doctors at various clinics and taken numerous medications without improvement. Eventually, I went ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Feng: The remnant of the thymus has no clinical significance. Your symptoms are likely due to an allergic reaction, which includes all respiratory issues. The chest pain is caused by chest tightness. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Thymus Remnants: Implications for Chronic Cough and Health
Understanding Lung Nodules: Importance of Follow-Up CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan for Pulmonary Nodules Hello, Doctor. In May 2021, I had a CT scan. Summary: All information from the patient. Past medical history: Hypertension - , Diabetes Mellitus - , Coronary Artery Disease - , Asthma - , Surgical history - Personal history: Bet...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest discussing future management options with the attending physician at the hospital where the examination was performed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Importance of Follow-Up CT Scans
Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Mild pulmonary opacity? In mid-November, I experienced gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux, along with bronchitis and a cold. My weight dropped from 53 kg to around 48-49 kg in a short period. My family, who have been coughing for a long time, suggested that I might have pneumo...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello Mei Mei, due to the limited information that can be provided through online consultations, I can only answer some of your questions. Compared to a chest X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan has a higher sensitivity and can reveal more details, which may include issues tha...[Read More] Understanding Mild Lung Opacity: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Hemoptysis After Lung Adenocarcinoma Surgery: What to Know
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with hemoptysis? Your question: Hello, I am a stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma patient currently undergoing treatment with Anlotinib. I had surgery on November 3rd, and it has been almost two months since the operation. Recently, I have noticed a small amount...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Ke: Taking Alectinib is appropriate for cases of ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma. After surgery, having just completed a CT scan with no signs of deterioration suggests that it is likely not a progression of the disease. It could be caused by a cough leading to minor p...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis After Lung Adenocarcinoma Surgery: What to Know
Understanding Heart Pain and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Chest pain and rapid shock? Hello, recently whenever I exercise or eat very hot food, I start to experience an increased heart rate, low-grade fever (rarely exceeding 38.3°C), jugular vein distension, and I can feel my neck pulsating. My blood pressure spikes to 160 (it was 120 b...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are non-specific manifestations, and there are currently no test results available for assessment. It is difficult to determine the underlying cause at this time. If your symptoms persist, I recommend visiting a trusted hospital and...[Read More] Understanding Heart Pain and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Hemoptysis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Post-Surgery
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with hemoptysis? Hello, I am diagnosed with stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma and currently undergoing treatment with Alectinib. I had surgery on November 3rd, and it has been almost two months since the operation. Recently, I have noticed a small amount of bl...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: If there are no signs of deterioration on the CT scan, it is still possible that the microvascular structures near the trachea may be more prone to bleeding. Please discuss this with your physician and seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Post-Surgery
Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy Doctor: Hello, here is the recent report from the low-dose lung CT scan: High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the Lung Clinical Information: chronic cough with sticky sputum, NIFTP HRCT of Chest. This study was performed without contrast enhan...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest discussing future management options with the attending physician at the hospital where the examination was performed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement: When to Follow Up?
Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Chest CT Report I have been experiencing some random sharp pains in my right chest, particularly noticeable when drinking hot soup or bending over to work. I consulted a pulmonologist, and after an X-ray, the doctor suspected a nodule approximately 0.7 cm in size, while other are...
Dr. Wang Zhengde Reply:
Hello, Ah-Chung: Based on the findings from the attached CT scan and chest X-ray reports, there are some specific observations (1. reticular opacities and/or subpleural nodules in the right middle lobe, lingula of the left upper lobe, posterior right lower lobe, and left lower lo...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding PET and CT Imaging in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Management
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) Report I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The PET scan report is similar to a CT scan, indicating an improving tumor in the right lower lung and residual lesions in the right hilar lymph nodes. The PET scan can rule out brain metastasis. Please continue the current treatment, and for further observations and plans...[Read More] Understanding PET and CT Imaging in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Management
Understanding CT and PET Scan Results in Stage IIIB Lung Adenocarcinoma
CT Scan Report I was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma in March of this year and am currently undergoing treatment with Anlotinib. I have a few questions regarding my condition: 1. This is my first PET scan, and the report shows increased uptake in the hilar region o...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Ke: The hilar mediastinal lymph nodes were noted in the CT scan from March. Therefore, the subsequent PET scan likely shows the previously identified areas lighting up, which may be interpreted differently due to their locations. Essentially, this indicates the presence...[Read More] Understanding CT and PET Scan Results in Stage IIIB Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Tightness in Chest and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and strong heartbeats? I have asthma, and this year I suddenly experience persistent shortness of breath with any activity (such as eating, climbing stairs, or walking), and my heart feels very tired, making it difficult to engage in activiti...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: These differential diagnoses require professional judgment from a physician, and examinations should be arranged. Please visit a specialty hospital for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Tightness in Chest and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Findings Explained
Chest CT Report Last Friday, I had a chest CT scan at Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital. This morning, I checked the imaging report on my health wallet, which states: "CT of the chest without IV contrast shows: 1. Reticular opacities and/or subpleural nodules in the right ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest discussing future treatment options with the attending physician at the hospital where the examination was performed. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Your Chest CT Report: Key Findings Explained
Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) Report Here is the translation of the provided medical content: The following is the chest computed tomography report from September: **Computed Tomography of Chest With and Without Enhancement Shows:** **Techniqu...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Koko: 1. According to the attached report, there is no deterioration, and we cannot determine the drug resistance issue based on the absence of deterioration; continuous observation is necessary. 2. The current report is indeed accurate. 3. An MRI of the brain is more pr...[Read More] Understanding PET and CT Reports for Lung Cancer Management
Understanding Suspected Lung Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Suspected pulmonary obstruction? I have been experiencing back pain for a year (not musculoskeletal pain, but pain related to the lungs). My lung capacity is poor, and when I inhale, it feels like I'm not exchanging air properly; it feels shallow, and I run out of breath qui...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can sometimes be quite similar. At times, we need to rely on the patient's medical history and exposure to risk factors for a comprehensive assessment before making a judgment. Additionally, it is...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Lung Obstruction: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Monitoring Lung Nodules: When to Worry and Treatment Options
Lung nodule follow-up Hello Doctor: Eight years ago, my mother was found to have three pulmonary nodules during a chest X-ray screening. One of them increased from 0.4 cm to 0.8 cm during a follow-up CT scan six months later. Due to the rapid growth, the physician recommended sur...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since your mother has already undergone surgery for early-stage lung cancer, and there are currently signs of proliferation in other lung nodules, it is recommended that you return to her original treating physician for a follow-up consultation to discuss the most appropri...[Read More] Monitoring Lung Nodules: When to Worry and Treatment Options