Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Can lung LDCT replace chest X-ray? Hello, the chest X-ray included in the health check-up package can be omitted if your wife is undergoing a lung LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography) scan. The LDCT is more sensitive and provides a detailed assessment of the lungs compared to a st...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: LDCT, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to traditional CT scans, still has a higher radiation dose than a chest X-ray. However, it provides much clearer images of the lungs than a chest X-ray. For individuals in high-risk groups for lung cancer, LDCT...[Read More] Can Lung LDCT Replace Chest X-Ray for Health Screenings?
Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but then I started smoking again for more than a month. I had an X-ray about a month ago, and there were no abnormalities. Recently, I've started to experience a bit of coughing and wheezing, along with a sore throat....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Most coughs are due to bronchitis, but for smokers, it is still recommended to see a pulmonologist and get a chest X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Wheezing: Are They Signs of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Pulmonary issues Doctor, I quit smoking for over a month, but after feeling down, I started smoking again for over a month. About a month ago, I had a chest X-ray, which showed no abnormalities. Recently, I've started experiencing a bit of cough and wheezing, along with a so...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: It may be an allergic reaction of the respiratory tract, and a pulmonary function assessment can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Chest Pain After Smoking Relapse
Understanding Cavitary Lesions in Left Lung Apex: TB or Lung Cancer?
Cavitary fibrotic lesion in the left lung apex? The left apical fibrotic cavitary lesion, could this be indicative of pulmonary tuberculosis or lung cancer? What is a cavitary lesion?
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Da-Hsiung: The fibrous calcification in the lung apex resembles that of tuberculosis. Please check for any medical history, but lung cancer cannot be ruled out. Please come to the hospital for an examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Cavitary Lesions in Left Lung Apex: TB or Lung Cancer?
Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, mild chest pain? Hello, doctor. On October 1st, I visited the clinic due to symptoms such as a runny nose and fatigue. I've had a history of nasal allergies since childhood, experiencing persistent runny nose, especially in the morni...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip. Taking antihistamines for allergies often leads to symptoms of throat dryness and itchiness. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and to avoid cold foods. For fruits, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Coughing, Breathing Issues, and Chest Discomfort
Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Coughing and wheezing, among other symptoms? Hello Doctor, a few days ago I suddenly developed a fever along with wheezing, so I went to the emergency room. Initially, it was suspected that my child might have transmitted influenza A to me, but after a rapid test, it turned out I...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
The described condition should be evaluated by a pulmonologist for further assessment and explanation by the physician.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Cough and Wheezing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Intermittent chest pain discomfort? Hello doctor, I am a 24-year-old friend from Hong Kong. I have been smoking for about 2 years, but I only smoke up to 5 cigarettes a day, and there have been periods when I didn't smoke at all. I have been smoke-free for 3 months now. Rece...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If there is a clear lesion affecting the pleura causing pain, it should be persistent. Intermittent pain is more indicative of neuromuscular pain. It is recommended to start with symptomatic treatment, and if symptoms persist after three months, consider getting an X-ray t...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy: Should You Be Concerned?
Please consult a doctor? Hello doctor, I am currently 7 months pregnant and have been experiencing shoulder and back pain in the area around my right scapula for the past few months. It hurts when I touch or press on it, and sometimes the left side of my back also hurts. I am con...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Based on the description, it seems more like muscle pain or myofascial pain. If you are still concerned, a chest X-ray should be performed with fetal protection measures in place. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy-related issues Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Previously, I was also told that I had tuberculosis. I have been struggling to accept why this is happening to me. Although I know it is due to my 40 years of smoking, I still can't...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is advisable to discuss further with your attending physician or seek consultation with another doctor.[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy Challenges in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion condition? Hello Dr. Jian, I would like to consult you regarding my father. He was hospitalized two weeks ago due to pleural effusion (unilateral) and had occasional low-grade fevers (around 37.6 degrees Celsius) along with a dry cough (non-productive) the previ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
There are many causes of pleural effusion, not just lung cancer. It is essential to first review the results of the thoracentesis. If the fluid is exudative, it is related to tumors and inflammation. We must also examine the lymphocyte percentage in the fluid; if lymphocytes are ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Persistent Dry Cough for 3 Weeks: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Dry cough for 3 weeks? I am a 32-year-old male. I had a full body check-up on January 4, 2018, which included a low-dose chest CT scan that showed no nodules and was clear. However, I have been experiencing a dry cough for three weeks without any phlegm, and now I am starting to ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I had a lung cancer screening in January of this year with no nodules found, so there should be no concern about tumors at this time. The cough lasting for three weeks may be due to a lung infection or bronchial sensitivity. I recommend seeing a pulmonologist! A chest X-ra...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for 3 Weeks: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What It Means for Your Health
Increased parenchymal shadows on both sides of the trachea? Participating in a community adult health screening with X-rays, the results showed abnormalities—there is an increase in the solid shadows on both sides of the trachea, suspected mediastinal lesions. What does this mean...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may indicate possible mediastinal enlargement. The chest X-ray is only a suspicion and a CT scan is required for confirmation. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Increased Lung Shadows: What It Means for Your Health
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Coughing for a period of time? Hello, doctor. Around the end of March, I started experiencing an itchy throat and developed a dry cough. Initially, the cough was quite severe, but it improved over time, although I have not fully recovered. Now, in early May, I still feel the urge...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to visit a hospital for examination. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Coughing symptoms Since January of this year, I have been experiencing recurrent colds due to taking care of children, resulting in two to three episodes of illness. Although the colds have resolved, I have been suffering from a persistent cough. Before the Lunar New Year, I took...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Based on what has been described, it is more likely to be caused by a sensitive trachea or post-nasal drip. However, since this is not an in-person consultation, please visit a pulmonologist for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Computed Tomography Report Hello Doctor, my mother has been monitoring a lung cyst. On July 10, 2017, she underwent a CT scan, which reported the cyst size as 2.6 cm, and she was referred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where it was determined that there were no issues...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. This is a preliminary imaging report. The diagnosis of stage III can only be established if the left upper lung shadow is confirmed to be lung cancer; further examinations are necessary for confirmation before determining if it is indeed lung cancer, which will allow fo...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Reports for Lung Cysts and Cancer Staging
Understanding Persistent Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
My father has been coughing for a long time? My father is about 45 years old and has a smoking history of 20 years. He quit smoking over a year ago. For the past couple of years, he has been experiencing persistent coughing. According to my mother, his cough has improved since he...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Please visit the pulmonology department for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Could it be lung cancer? Three months ago, I had a fever and cold, and ever since recovering from the cold, I have been coughing non-stop. It's been almost three months since I got sick, and the medication hasn't helped. I’ve been increasingly stressed and worried about...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ah-Cheng: I have reviewed your description, and lung cancer should be ruled out. Based on your age, chest X-ray, and the interpretation by the pulmonologist, early-stage or even late-stage lung cancer may not necessarily present with symptoms. Common symptoms such as cough, ...[Read More] Could It Be Lung Cancer? Understanding Persistent Cough Symptoms
Chest Tightness and Pain: Could It Be Early Lung Cancer?
Chest pain and lung cancer? Hello doctor, this month I have been experiencing occasional feelings of tightness and dull pain in my left chest, without a fixed point of pain (sometimes it occurs in the right chest as well). Occasionally, it is accompanied by palpitations, but it i...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Early-stage lung cancer usually has no symptoms. Your symptoms seem more like nerve pain. Learning to relax and getting plenty of rest should help improve your condition![Read More] Chest Tightness and Pain: Could It Be Early Lung Cancer?
Understanding Chest Pain: Differentiating Between Costochondritis and Other Conditions
Mediastinal tumor? Lung cancer? Costochondritis? I was born in 1984 and have been working in an office for six years. I have been troubled by chronic nasal allergies, but I generally do not have any major health issues. I play basketball regularly, averaging about 3-4 times a wee...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: After spending so much time describing your painful experiences, I can understand your anxiety and suffering. I would like to provide some preliminary responses and suggestions regarding your final question, point 13: 1. What is wrong with me? Based on your symptoms, the...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Differentiating Between Costochondritis and Other Conditions
Is Lung Cancer Contagious? Understanding Transmission Myths and Facts
Is lung cancer contagious? Hello, doctor. Can lung cancer (or lung adenocarcinoma) be transmitted through the mouth, nose, saliva, or any other means?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It will not be transmitted through the means you described![Read More] Is Lung Cancer Contagious? Understanding Transmission Myths and Facts