Understanding High Cancer Markers: Is It Lung Cancer or Something Else?
Elevated cancer markers? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced massive hemoptysis ten years ago and was hospitalized, where she was diagnosed with bronchiectasis. She underwent surgery to remove part of her lung and was found to have pulmonary tuberculosis, which she completed trea...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Monitor the CT scan to see if there is any enlargement, and then perform a biopsy.[Read More] Understanding High Cancer Markers: Is It Lung Cancer or Something Else?
Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Occasional blood in the sputum? At the end of August, I started to have some brownish sputum, sometimes with a few blood spots. I consulted an ENT specialist who performed an endoscopy and found that my throat and nasopharynx were normal. A week later, I began to experience a sor...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. A follow-up chest X-ray can be performed; if hemoptysis persists, a bronchoscopy may be considered. Please consult a pulmonologist. 2. If the focus is solely on the lungs, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be done (but it will be out-of-pocket). The downside ...[Read More] Intermittent Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Should long-term chest pain symptoms raise concerns about the early stages of lung cancer? Since June, I have been experiencing respiratory symptoms that feel like tightness in my airways, accompanied by pain in the left side of my chest. My shoulders feel forward, and I also exp...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your physician has actively arranged for the relevant examinations. Both asthma and mitral valve prolapse can potentially cause chest tightness. Currently, the chest pain seems more like neuropathic pain. Early-stage lung tumors rarely cause chest pain. It is recommended t...[Read More] Should You Worry About Lung Cancer Symptoms with Persistent Chest Pain?
Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Progression and Regression of Pulmonary Nodules Hello, Doctor: My father (50 years old) had a lung nodule (1.4 cm) detected during a health check-up. After consulting three doctors, most indicated it is likely benign. I have researched and found that there is about an 80% chance ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, if it is 1.4 cm, I would recommend removal. If it is less than 1 cm, I would suggest monitoring it. If it were to become malignant, it would likely do so within 1 to 2 years. The rate of transformation to malignancy is difficult to determine. It is unlikely to resolv...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Should Motorcycle Riders Consider Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
Do motorcycle riders need low-dose computed tomography screening? I have been riding a motorcycle to work for 7 years, and I have never smoked or consumed betel nut. I drink alcohol, but it's less than 250cc a year and with an alcohol content of less than 5%. I almost always...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The motorcycle community does not smoke as severely as the rumors suggest, with claims of daily consumption of 400 cigarettes. Current research does not support the recommendation for regular low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for this group. If you do not smoke, cons...[Read More] Should Motorcycle Riders Consider Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Age for lung adenocarcinoma screening? I have been smoking for over 7 years. Originally, it was 8 years, but I don't smoke on Saturdays and Sundays, so I'm not sure if I can count it as over 7 years. Is that a valid way to calculate it? I quit smoking a year ago. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Congratulations on quitting smoking for a year! From now on, your risk of developing lung cancer should be similar to that of non-smokers, so there’s no need to worry excessively![Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma Screening Age for Smokers
Understanding Coughing and Phlegm: Key Insights for Smokers
Coughing up phlegm? "Uh-huh." I would like to ask if coughing and producing phlegm by making a "hmm hmm" sound from the throat are the same? For example, is making that sound in the morning or after dinner already considered coughing? Given my age and having a...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. The cough often brings up mucus from the trachea, which is primarily composed of saliva. 2. Please continue to refrain from smoking.[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Phlegm: Key Insights for Smokers
Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent dry cough without phlegm? I have been experiencing a dry cough and itchy throat without phlegm for a year. Before quitting smoking, I would cough and feel chest tightness, but that is no longer the case. Initially, after quitting smoking, I had some black phlegm, but n...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yi: Congratulations on quitting smoking! This is a great achievement. Your current condition seems more like post-nasal drip or an allergic reaction. If you are concerned about cancer, you can arrange for a low-dose CT scan at Changhua Hospital. They care about you.[Read More] Chronic Dry Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Quitting Smoking
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Evaluation for Lung Issues
The cough has not improved? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for nearly a month. Due to a family history of lung cancer, I underwent a low-dose CT scan two weeks ago for follow-up, and the results were normal. However, my cough has not improved. I have taken cough suppressants,...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: The above issues require evaluation and treatment by a physician. Please visit a pulmonology clinic.[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Evaluation for Lung Issues
Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Chest pain and weakness? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. After my last inquiry regarding cold symptoms leading to hemoptysis, I have recovered over the past two weeks. However, I have been experiencing chronic asthmatic cough symptoms for a mo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here is a brief response: 1. First, confirm whether you have asthma. If diagnosed with asthma, the main treatment medications are inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators! 2. Theophylline may have some gastrointestinal side effects; if you do not notice signific...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Weakness: Key Insights for Patients
Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Persistent cough that feels somewhat like choking when coughing? The mother is 58 years old. Due to concerns about her uncle being suspected of having tuberculosis, she also needs to be monitored. The doctor at the chest hospital mentioned that the mother currently has no issues,...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your question can be briefly answered as follows. A chest X-ray is used to assess whether there are any abnormal shadows or nodules in the lungs. If abnormalities are found, further diagnostic tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis (such as tuberculosis, lung cance...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Choking Sensation: When to Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have long experienced symptoms of cough and poor cold resistance, often diagnosed as asthma. On May 13, I had acute cold symptoms such as fever and cough, which triggered severe coughing episodes resembling asthma attacks. Around May 25, t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A normal chest X-ray indicates that there are no obvious lung tumors and no extrapulmonary symptoms. Your related tests do not appear to be typical of asthma. If the medication provides improvement, it is recommended to continue using it, as these medications can help with...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Recent concerns about cough, chest pain, and pulmonary nodules? Due to a family history of lung cancer (grandmother) and experiencing some respiratory symptoms earlier this year, I paid out of pocket for a low-dose CT scan, which revealed a 0.45 cm lung nodule. At that time, the ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
1. If the nodule is malignant, it may increase in size after six months. If it does increase, a biopsy may need to be considered. If you are still concerned about the 0.45 cm nodule, you can discuss with a thoracic surgeon the possibility of an earlier biopsy. 2. Coughing is usua...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Understanding the Link Between Pneumothorax and Lung Cancer Risks
Questions about pneumothorax and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I will be turning 25 this year. About seven years ago, I experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax, which was treated successfully after a week of hospitalization. I often feel a slight stabbing pain in my chest, but it is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. Pneumothorax is not a common risk factor for lung cancer; smoking is the most significant risk factor. 2. If there is an increase in sputum volume or a change in color, please consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Pneumothorax and Lung Cancer Risks
Understanding Treatment for Lung Cancer and Related Symptoms
Lung issues Hello doctor, my father was diagnosed with stage III lung adenocarcinoma last year. He has already undergone surgery and completed six rounds of chemotherapy. However, the day after his last chemotherapy session, he suddenly started experiencing dizziness and a loss o...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
It is possible that the high calcium levels were discovered during a clinical blood test, and this may not necessarily be related to the dizziness. For further details, please consult the attending physician. Thank you. Sincerely, Jian Shun Tian.[Read More] Understanding Treatment for Lung Cancer and Related Symptoms
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Evaluation for Hemoptysis Hello Doctor, I usually have bronchial issues and often experience coughing for one to two months, especially when I stay up late and my immune system is compromised. A doctor has diagnosed me with asthma symptoms. Two weeks ago, I had cold symptoms, inc...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: Severe coughing may result in blood-tinged sputum. The sensitivity of low-dose computed tomography (CT) is better than that of a chest X-ray. It is recommended to undergo low-dose CT to check for any subtle changes.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
X-ray examination issues? Hello Doctor, I have been coughing for the past few months. A couple of days ago, I woke up to find pink blood in my sputum, and I also have back pain. I have a long history of smoking and am concerned it might be a lung issue, so I went to the hospital ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray shows a snowflake-like hazy infiltration, which is primarily considered to be due to infection or inflammation. After treatment, a follow-up X-ray can be performed. If the condition persists after two weeks of treatment, further examinations (such as a CT scan) s...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Swelling and pain in the neck? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old and has stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. He has completed six cycles of chemotherapy and is resting for a month before starting the seventh cycle. Throughout the process, my father's health has been quite go...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's condition is best understood by the attending physician. First, we would like to thank the medical team for their effective treatment. However, we would like to ask the attending physician if the discomfort in his neck could be a potential side effect of...[Read More] Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Please consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I have a smoking habit and occasionally experience a few coughs and a scratchy throat. This morning, when I woke up and coughed up phlegm, I noticed that it seemed to have blood in it; it was a light pink color mixed with clear phlegm. I...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Here are three simple suggestions! 1. First, consult an otolaryngologist to confirm that the blood-tinged sputum is not due to mucosal damage in the nasal cavity, throat, or oral cavity (including the gums)! 2. If the otolaryngologist confirms that it is not from the above...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Blood in Sputum: Is Lung Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Chest Pain in Lung Cancer: Clinical Insights and Differentiation
Chest pain in lung cancer? Doctor, what is the clinical experience regarding chest pain in lung cancer? How can it be differentiated? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Jin Kang: There are many causes of chest pain. Chest pain associated with lung cancer is typically due to invasion of the pleura or bones, resulting in persistent pain that is not easily alleviated with standard analgesics. Of course, it is important to visit a hospital for ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain in Lung Cancer: Clinical Insights and Differentiation