Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Dyspnea I'm sorry, doctor. Since the beginning of September (last week), I've been experiencing some shortness of breath. Sometimes I need to take deep breaths or yawn to get enough air, but this does not affect my sleep, and there are no accompanying symptoms like coug...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is not sufficient for me to make a diagnosis. I recommend that you visit a nearby medical facility for a basic examination to rule out any life-threatening physiological issues. After that, appropriate treatment can be addressed for ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Should You Follow Up on Lung Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT?
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello, Doctor. My family has a history of lung cancer, and I recently underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. The results showed two nodules measuring 0.2 cm and a "right middle lobe motion artifact or a small gr...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the public: Lung nodules and lesions do require monitoring or further examination, but the timing for follow-up should be determined based on their imaging characteristics. It is not possible to provide a definitive course of action at this moment. I recommend discussing t...[Read More] Should You Follow Up on Lung Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT?
Navigating Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Cancer treatment Hello Dr. Kuo, my father is a patient with lung adenocarcinoma that has progressed to small cell lung cancer, currently with metastases to the bones and liver. He previously had to interrupt radiation therapy due to severe leukopenia. If his white blood cell coun...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the treatment of cancer involves numerous considerations related to clinical factors, imaging, and the current physical condition of the patient. It is not possible to provide you with diagnostic and treatment recommendations in this manner. It is advisable to discuss stra...[Read More] Navigating Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Rapid Deterioration in Lung Cancer Patients After Radiation Therapy
Cancer treatment Hello Dr. Kuo, my father has been a patient with lung adenocarcinoma that progressed to small cell lung cancer (2020-2023), with metastases to the bones and liver (from November 2022 to January 2023). During his hospitalization from November 29, 2022, to January ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, Miss. I have received your inquiry and I am deeply sorry to hear about your father's illness. Based on your description, your father has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma that has progressed to small cell lung cancer (2020-2023), with metastases to the bones and...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Deterioration in Lung Cancer Patients After Radiation Therapy
Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
The CYFRA 21-1 test result is elevated? Hello Doctor: I had a company health check today in January while I was 8 months pregnant. The test report showed a CYFRA 21-1 level of 2.16 in red. After giving birth, I had a follow-up chest X-ray in April, which showed no abnormalities. ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Vicjy: During pregnancy, CYFRA 21-1 levels may increase. Postpartum X-rays are normal. You can have another CYFRA 21-1 test, and if the results are normal, no further testing is needed. However, this marker is not exclusive to lung cancer; other conditions such as breast can...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
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?
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 Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
Definition of Family History of Lung Cancer Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response to my previous question; I will return for my report. I would like to inquire about the definition of a family history of lung cancer. I am 41 years old, do not smoke or drink, and would like t...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The Ministry of Health and Welfare defines a family history of lung cancer as having a parent, child, or sibling diagnosed with lung cancer. Can I use this standard to assess whether I have a family history of lung cancer? Answer: 1. According to the National H...[Read More] Understanding Family History of Lung Cancer: Key Definitions and Guidelines
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 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
Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
About seven years ago, I had a cough that lasted for about 3 to 4 weeks, and it resolved with medication. Is there a risk of lung cancer or tuberculosis? Hello, I would like to ask about an episode I had approximately 7 years ago when I experienced an unexplained cough for about ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of these two conditions occurring at your age is very low. However, if there are significant abnormalities in your lungs, an X-ray is necessary to confirm.[Read More] Assessing Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis Risks After Past Coughing Episodes
Targeted Therapy Options for Advanced Lung Cancer with Brain Metastasis
Regarding targeted therapies? Hello, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma in May 2022, with ALK gene mutation detected. Initially, she was treated with Lorbrena (lorlatinib), which controlled the disease fairly well. However, in February 2023, she began exper...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of Lurbinectedin is not very good; can I switch to Anlotinib? A: Lurbinectedin is a third-generation drug, while Anlotinib is a second-generation drug, and there are no direct comparative studies between the two. If you have previously taken another se...[Read More] Targeted Therapy Options for Advanced Lung Cancer with Brain Metastasis
Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Sometimes cough? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother. She has had a cough for about three weeks, but her condition is such that she coughs occasionally, not continuously. Sometimes she feels the need to clear her throat or cough lightly a couple of times. She tends ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Pang: The symptoms of lung cancer are often atypical. Smoking and family history are considered high-risk factors, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) can be used for early diagnosis. There are many causes of coughing; of course, the common cold is the most frequent. ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
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
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
Understanding Back Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: Causes and Management
Lower back pain? Hello, I am diagnosed with stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma and currently undergoing treatment with Alectinib. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain and discomfort around my buttocks. The pain is not severe, but it can be uncomfortable during movement, a...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Xiao Ke: Pain is not necessarily indicative of metastasis; neuromuscular strains can also cause pain. If short-term use of pain relievers does not lead to improvement, a bone scan may be recommended. For now, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist to rule out ot...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: Causes and Management
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 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