Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms
Chest pain with deep breathing? Hello, I have been experiencing chest pain for the past month. Initially, the pain was in the center of my chest, usually lasting for a few seconds and occurring in episodes. It worsens with deep breaths. Later, I also felt pain on the left side of...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
According to age, the likelihood of lung cancer is generally very low. However, since there is some pleuritic pain, it is recommended that if the pain persists or worsens, you should visit a pulmonology clinic to rule out some common causes such as pneumothorax or pneumonia. Chan...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
I'm not sure what's wrong? In 2016, a family member was diagnosed with squamous lung cancer, despite having no history of smoking. They experienced six months of treatment, but unfortunately, it could not reverse the advanced malignant tumor that had metastasized. That ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Inquirer: If the chest X-ray is normal and you continue to have blood-tinged sputum, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist for a bronchoscopy. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Blood in Sputum: Is It Lung Cancer?
Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan necessary? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. This year, I have experienced intermittent chest tightness, chest pain, tenderness on the sides of the sternum, occasional mild coughing, and a pers...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Sonic: Do you have a history of smoking? Based on your description, a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan does not seem to be the first recommended option. It would be advisable to first conduct pulmonary function tests and autonomic nervous system evaluations, as the s...[Read More] Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Lung cancer, laryngeal cancer I have been smoking for 20 years, and I am 34 years old. I have a hoarse voice and a dry cough, smoking more than a pack a day. I went to an ENT specialist for a laryngoscopy. 1. Can a laryngoscopy detect laryngeal cancer? I noticed the doctor used...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. An examination by an otolaryngologist can visualize the pharynx and larynx, confirming that there are no growths and initially ruling out tumors! 2. A low-dose computed tomography scan will require out-of-pocket payment based on your age and condition. 3. Quitting smoki...[Read More] Understanding Throat and Lung Cancer Risks for Smokers: Key Insights
Persistent Phlegm After Cold: When to See a Pulmonologist?
Persistent phlegm after a cold? Hello Doctor, I have never had a cough or phlegm, but after a severe cold in mid-July (with yellow nasal discharge, fever, and cough), I have been feeling like there is phlegm in my throat every day, which is difficult to expel. When I do manage to...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to primarily focus on symptomatic treatment for now, and to recheck the chest X-ray or consider additional out-of-pocket cancer marker tests in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Persistent Phlegm After Cold: When to See a Pulmonologist?
Understanding Elevated Cyfra 21-1 Levels: Should You See a Pulmonologist?
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Screening Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and my tumor markers SCC, NSE, and CEA were all normal. However, my Cyfra 21-1 level was 3.47, which is above the normal range, and I'm a bit concerned. I don't smoke or drink,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Currently, cancer markers are not used to diagnose lung cancer; they are only used to monitor the treatment response in patients who have already been diagnosed. It is recommended that you check the CYFRA 21-1 marker again in six months.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cyfra 21-1 Levels: Should You See a Pulmonologist?
Understanding Hemoptysis: When to Worry About Blood in Sputum
The issue of phlegm? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond. In June, I had an upper respiratory tract infection. After the cold improved, I still had a cough, and one morning I coughed up phlegm mixed with blood about the size of a one-dollar coin. After intenti...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah Ping: The most common cause of hemoptysis is bronchitis. Recurrent hemoptysis requires a painless bronchoscopy, which is performed under general anesthesia. Any causal relationship is merely based on empirical data. Theoretically, this is correct; most cases of hemoptysis...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: When to Worry About Blood in Sputum
Cooking Without a Range Hood: Risks of Smoke and Lung Cancer
Cooking fumes and lung cancer? Hello Dr. Yang, I currently live in a small apartment where I can cook, but there is no range hood. Sometimes I cook without adding any oil, using a non-stick pan, because I have seen many reports that cooking oil fumes can lead to lung cancer. Ther...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pay attention to ventilation; using it occasionally should be fine. Personally, I still consider cooking with an electric cooker to be simpler![Read More] Cooking Without a Range Hood: Risks of Smoke and Lung Cancer
Managing Anxiety Before Lung Nodule Surgery: What You Need to Know
A 1 cm nodule has been discovered and is scheduled for removal, but I still feel anxious inside? Hello Doctor, I had a CT scan this month which revealed a 1 cm nodule in my right upper lung. It is solid and has spiculated margins, but it is not ground-glass. A few days ago, my do...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are less likely related to metastasis (the pain is not localized). You can choose to have it removed early for examination or wait for three months for follow-up.[Read More] Managing Anxiety Before Lung Nodule Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Hemoptysis of unknown origin? Hello Doctor, my father is 53 years old and has been smoking for 40 years, currently smoking an average of 20 cigarettes a day. Three months ago, he coughed up blood-tinged sputum. He had an X-ray done at the hospital, but the doctor did not provide ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Large tumors and typical cavitary lung infiltrates are more easily diagnosed by X-ray, while small nodules may simply indicate bronchitis or early-stage pulmonary nodules. It is generally safer to follow up after three months to check for any changes, and follow-up examina...[Read More] Understanding Hemoptysis: Causes, Risks, and Smoking's Impact
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: What Could Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Respiratory issues Hello doctor, I have recently started experiencing difficulty breathing. I constantly feel like there is something in my trachea and throat, similar to phlegm. My lung capacity has not decreased, and there has not been any significant change in my weight or oth...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic to see if any relevant examinations are needed. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: What Could Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Understanding Symptoms Near the Solar Plexus: Coughing and Chest Pain
Epigastric issues? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling a sensation of phlegm in the area just above my solar plexus for some time now. I find myself constantly clearing my throat, making sounds (even about once a minute), but I can't seem to expel any phlegm. Additionally, I o...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The symptoms mentioned above still require a consultation and examination by a physician. Please visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Near the Solar Plexus: Coughing and Chest Pain
Understanding the Difference Between Microinvasive 1A and In Situ Lung Cancer
Lung cancer issues? The difference between microinvasive carcinoma (stage 1A) and carcinoma in situ lies primarily in the extent of invasion. Microinvasive carcinoma (stage 1A) refers to a cancer that has begun to invade the surrounding tissues but has not penetrated deeply. It...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary infiltration is a radiological description (from X-rays or CT scans) of scattered lesions (non-tumorous or nodular) and is non-specific, lacking a definitive diagnosis. In situ carcinoma refers to the observation of malignant pathological changes in tissue that h...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Microinvasive 1A and In Situ Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do the White Spots Mean?
Pulmonary CT scan reveals nodules? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my mother. When she had a chest X-ray, there were no abnormalities, but during a recent CT scan, round white spots were found near the pulmonary vessels. The doctor mentioned they are about 0.5 cm, bu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is no family history of lung cancer, it is recommended to follow up with a chest X-ray every 3 to 6 months, and then a chest CT scan after one year. If there is a family history of lung cancer, it is advised to have a follow-up CT scan after six months. Best wishe...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: What Do the White Spots Mean?
The Link Between Mold and Respiratory Diseases: Risks and Concerns
The association between wall cancer and respiratory diseases? Hello Doctor: My home is over fifty years old, and there has been a longstanding issue with mold on the walls. I have tried repainting, but the results were minimal. I have been coexisting with this mold for eight year...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary fibrosis can be detected through an X-ray. If there is no asthma or immune deficiency, there should be resistance to fungi. If you are concerned, it would be reassuring to visit a pulmonology clinic for an X-ray. If indoor humidity is too high, a dehumidifier sho...[Read More] The Link Between Mold and Respiratory Diseases: Risks and Concerns
Understanding Family History and Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk Factors
Questions about lung adenocarcinoma? I have several questions for the doctor. 1. What is the definition of family medical history? If there is only one case of a relative having a condition and no one else in the family has it, does this still fall under the medical definition ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
1. The cause of cancer remains unclear, but the primary culprit is carcinogens, especially smoking. If a second-degree relative has lung cancer, there has been exposure to secondhand smoke, or there has been long-term exposure to other carcinogens in the workplace, and the indivi...[Read More] Understanding Family History and Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk Factors
Understanding Lung Nodules: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Questions about pulmonary nodules? Hello, Doctor. Last month, I had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, and the report indicated a 0.4 cm triangular nodule (solid white) in the right middle lung. I would like to understand whether this type of nodule is more likely to be ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
1. A pulmonary nodule does not equal lung cancer; many benign lesions present as pulmonary nodules, such as tuberculomas, granulomas, hamartomas, and inflammatory pseudotumors. Approximately 96.4% of pulmonary nodules are benign. 2. The lesion measures only 0.4 cm and is solid (w...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Stage I lung adenocarcinoma My grandmother, born in 1931, underwent a single-port thoracoscopic surgery on the right upper lobe last month. Last week, the pathology report confirmed that the doctor diagnosed her with early-stage lung cancer, stage I. The physician recommended tak...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to discuss with your grandmother's primary care physician.[Read More] Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: Treatment Options and Recommendations
Understanding Lung Tumors: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Lung tumor Hello, doctor. My family member had lung issues due to long-term smoking and has quit smoking. The previous physician mentioned the possibility of lung cancer. After treatment, the condition has improved, but there is still a persistent cough. Recently, chest pain prom...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Junjun: You mentioned that an elderly family member has been diagnosed with lung cancer after long-term smoking and that the treatment has been completed. Please confirm this, as it relates to the current diagnosis. If this diagnosis is accurate, there is a possibility of re...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Can Cooking Smells from Neighbors Increase Lung Cancer Risk?
The smell of cooking from the neighbor's house wafting into your home? Does the smell of cooking from a neighbor's house pose a risk of lung cancer? There is no smoke, just a strong odor.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Kk: The smell of cooking from the neighbor's house has drifted into your home. There is no evidence to suggest that this will lead to lung cancer. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Cooking Smells from Neighbors Increase Lung Cancer Risk?