Could Back Pain and Coughing Indicate Lung Cancer? A Patient's Concern
Experiencing back pain for two months, along with a recent onset of a dry cough, could raise concerns about various conditions, including lung cancer. However, these symptoms can also be associated with other medical issues. It is important to consult a healthcare professional fo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your age, recent X-ray examination, and history of exposure to carcinogens are not significant. You currently belong to a low-risk group for lung cancer. As for the pain in your upper back, you have already consulted with a rehabilitation specialist. Please follow the phys...[Read More] Could Back Pain and Coughing Indicate Lung Cancer? A Patient's Concern
Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Surgical treatment for stage IV lung adenocarcinoma? Director Huang, I would like to seek your expertise regarding my mother, who is 68 years old. In January 2017, a CT scan revealed a 2 cm tumor in the lower right lung. Follow-up biopsies and Tc-99m MDP scans confirmed stage IV ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR AKIRA: Stage IV lung cancer is generally inoperable; however, if there is downstaging after targeted therapy, surgery is certainly recommended as it tends to have a higher survival rate. If surgery is not an option, there are many medications available for lung adenocarcinom...[Read More] Surgical Treatment Options for Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Benefits
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know
For over a month, I have been experiencing sharp and dull pain in my chest, along with a wheezing sensation in my chest while breathing? Hello Doctor, I had a mild mitral valve prolapse during my health check-up two years ago. For the past month, I have been experiencing a dull, ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms have been evaluated and examined by a specialist, and major cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases should have been ruled out. There is no need to worry excessively. In addition to taking your medication as prescribed, relaxing and adjusting your lifestyle can...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Risk of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing occasional coughing for almost a month now, along with some phlegm. Sometimes I hear sounds from my airways and feel like there is phlegm inside. When I manage to cough up some phlegm, the airway sounds go away. I don&#x...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Most lung cancers do not grow rapidly in a short period of time. Since a CT scan last July did not reveal any suspicious tumor lesions, it would be advisable to get a chest X-ray for the physician to interpret. Your symptoms are more indicative of allergic rhinitis and bro...[Read More] Understanding Coughing and Lung Health: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Stages, Treatments, and Survival Rates of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Could you please clarify your question, doctor? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Does non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have different stages? 2. How is each stage treated? 3. What is the 5-year survival rate for each stage? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: I recommend visiting the websites of major hospitals or the Taiwan Cancer Foundation to download educational pamphlets related to lung cancer. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Stages, Treatments, and Survival Rates of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Worry About Cancer Risk?
Pulmonary nodule A month ago, I paid for a low-dose CT scan that indicated several nodules measuring 3-5.5 mm in both lung lobes, and my CEA level was elevated; the standard is 3.2, and mine is 4.2. Recently, I also felt lymph nodes in my armpit. Does this mean I have a high prob...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please visit the pulmonology clinic and bring your CT scans and relevant information for the physician's assessment.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Worry About Cancer Risk?
Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?
Chest X-ray Hello, since I am 20 years old and my X-ray results are normal with no other symptoms, is there a need for further examination?
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you have persistent symptoms, it is necessary to see a physician for evaluation. For older individuals with a long history of smoking or a family history of cancer, even if the X-ray results are normal, it may be advisable to consider self-paying for a low-dose computed...[Read More] Is Further Testing Necessary After a Normal Chest X-Ray at 20?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Chest X-ray Hello, I had a chest X-ray at the end of August, and the results showed no abnormalities. Does this mean everything is okay? Recently, I came across this news article about lung cancer in young adults, and it made me a bit anxious, especially since I don't have a...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Chest X-rays are a quick and convenient tool for the initial screening of pulmonary parenchymal density. If a lesion is smaller than 1 centimeter, it may be difficult to detect, or there may be functional changes (such as bronchoconstriction due to an asthma attack) where ...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Are You Really in the Clear?
Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: Chest Pain and Its Differentiation
I would like to inquire about lung cancer? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the more prominent symptoms of lung cancer, such as chest pain. How can we differentiate whether the chest pain is related to lung cancer? For the past 2-3 days, I have experienced sudden shar...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: As long as the chest X-ray does not reveal any tumors, lung cancer should not be considered at this stage. We should prioritize treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) instead![Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Symptoms: Chest Pain and Its Differentiation
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
A dull, aching pain similar to a pulling sensation to the left of the right nipple? Hello, I experienced sudden pain on the left side of my right nipple and the upper part of my right chest yesterday and today, but it lasts only about 1 to 2 seconds. Should I get this checked? Co...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Chest pain that is not typical for lung cancer based on age can be initially evaluated with an X-ray.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Persistent Cough After Cold: Is It Just Recovery or Something Serious?
Coughing persists after a cold? Hello doctor, I had a cold about a month and a half ago, and since then I have been experiencing a persistent cough. I smoke, and the cough is dry, occurring only once or twice occasionally (I don’t cough while sleeping). I would like to know if th...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Generally, upper respiratory tract infections can resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. If a cough persists for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek further evaluation at a pulmonology clinic.[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Is It Just Recovery or Something Serious?
Understanding the Risks of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
Regarding tuberculosis, thank you Dr. Yang for your response? Thank you, Dr. Yang, for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule. My grandfather, who was originally in the isolation ward, was transferred to a general ward last Wednesday, the 19th, after starting medica...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your reply! There are indeed many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis associated with hemoptysis, and the additional anti-tuberculosis medications are not related to the bleeding (no specific anti-tuberculosis medication has been mentioned to carry a risk of blee...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Tuberculosis Treatment in Elderly Patients
Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Pulmonary issues? Hello Dr. Jian, A year ago, during a health check-up, I underwent a chest X-ray and a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. The report indicated suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (I have not experienced any cough or symptoms). I have been followed up in the ou...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
(1) The three small nodules later connected are likely not tumors; they could be pulmonary tuberculosis. A biopsy and bronchoscopy can be performed. If these two procedures are not done, or if they are done without conclusive results, a trial treatment for tuberculosis can be con...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: What to Do About Suspicious Findings
Understanding Smoking Habits and Lung Cancer Risks for Young Adults
Smoking cessation issues Hello, doctor: I have two questions I would like to ask. I will turn 22 in three months. I have been smoking for about 8-9 years, averaging around a pack a day (sometimes I smoke only 4-5 cigarettes). On days when I go out, I might smoke up to 2 packs, bu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If you can refrain from smoking on weekends, it indicates that your nicotine addiction is not very deep. If you quit now, your risk of developing lung cancer will be equivalent to that of the general population. Wishing you success in quitting smoking! Give yourself the be...[Read More] Understanding Smoking Habits and Lung Cancer Risks for Young Adults
Understanding Lung Cancer Risks for Young Smokers: What You Need to Know
Risk of Lung Cancer Hello, doctor: I recently started quitting smoking, but I read online that the cancer risk for smokers under 15 is higher than for those over 15. I started smoking around the age of 14, initially not very much, but by the time I was 13 or 14, I was smoking mor...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Huang: Smoking is a high-risk factor for lung cancer. The earlier one starts smoking, the more severe the damage due to the incomplete maturation of local tissues. After more than seven years of smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer increases compared to non-smokers. H...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Risks for Young Smokers: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Regarding pleural effusion? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, my father was hospitalized at Lin Shin Hospital, where his blood sugar was found to be over 700, and he was subsequently diagnosed with diabetes. He is now monitoring his blood sugar daily, which has been controlled. How...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The classification of lung cancer should be based on the pathology report and cannot be inferred. The side effects of current chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significantly decreased, and most patients can tolerate them. For treatment details, it is best to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Chronic Cough: Exploring Causes Beyond Allergies and Infections
Tracheal and bronchial foreign bodies Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and while the symptoms of the cold have resolved, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over three months now. The previous cold symptoms are gone, but I feel an itchiness in my...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR DINO: After undergoing numerous tests and seeing various doctors, the only issue identified is an allergy. Additionally, the results from the 64-slice CT scan have not yet come in, which may require further examination of IgE and eosinophil levels. If the environmental condi...[Read More] Chronic Cough: Exploring Causes Beyond Allergies and Infections
How Long Should You Wait Between Lung Health Checkups?
The duration from Stage 1 to Stage 2 typically varies depending on the specific condition or disease being referenced. Please provide more context for a more accurate answer? Hello Dr. Zhou, During a health check-up at a hospital in Yilan, I voluntarily underwent a low-dose 64-s...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, the reasonable follow-up for pulmonary nodules via computed tomography is every 3 months. If there is a tendency for enlargement, surgical resection is recommended. Considering disease progression, the amount of radiation exposure is relatively less important. Best wishes ...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait Between Lung Health Checkups?
Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Pleural effusion and lung cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 61 years old (she has diabetes and is undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis B). She experienced shortness of breath while walking, and an X-ray at a hospital revealed fluid accumulation in her right lung. After ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. If no abnormalities are found in the PET scan, the likelihood of cancer is low, and you can continue to monitor with imaging or consider further pleural biopsy (of course, there should be enough pleural effusion to ensure safety during the procedure). 2. Targeted therap...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion and Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Shoulder pain? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my father. He was diagnosed with stage III lung cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 2013. After completing the treatment, he has been under continuous follow-up, with X-rays every two months and CT scans ever...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: All imaging examinations have limitations in their ability to detect lesions below a certain size, which may not be clearly visible. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary to detect any issues as early as possible for appropriate management.[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case Study