Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Pleural effusion without cough? Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is 47 years old and was admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital last week due to pleural effusion. She has undergone MRI, CT scans, fluid analysis, bronchoscopy, and a biopsy from her back, but only the fluid analysis rev...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It can sometimes be challenging to identify the location of the primary tumor in cases of metastatic malignant effusion. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is well-equipped, and most of the necessary examinations have already been conducted. If biopsy is difficult, we may reques...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion Without Cough: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Chronic cough Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a chronic cough for about several months, with the main symptoms being a dry cough and an itch in my chest (not in my throat). The most notable feature is that I do not cough at night, but I do cough during the day when I am wo...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear N: Early screening for lung cancer primarily relies on low-dose CT scans. The clinical symptoms of cancer are not specific, so using symptoms for comparison lacks consistency. Based on your description, the likelihood of allergic cough should be considered as the main possib...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Diagnostic Options
Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Can pneumonia lead to sepsis? My mother has been coughing for a long time, and the doctor treated her for tuberculosis. However, after taking medication for more than six months, her cough has not improved. Later, she developed shortness of breath and required an oxygen machine t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If a patient continues to experience wheezing after six months of tuberculosis treatment, it is possible that extensive lesions in both lungs were present at the time of diagnosis. Even after treatment, fibrosis may remain and affect lung function. Additionally, there may ...[Read More] Can Pneumonia Lead to Sepsis and Lung Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening CYFRA 21-1 On March 18, during a health check, I underwent lung cancer screening with CYFRA 21-1 (normal range 0-3.3 ng/mL), and my result was exactly 3.3 ng/mL. I have a smoking habit. 1. Which specialist should I see? 2. What additional tests do I need to ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. You may first consult with the physician regarding the health check-up explanation. 2. If a chest examination is needed, you can visit a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Lung Cancer Screening
Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Coughing intermittently for more than two months? Hello, doctor. I traveled abroad in December, and during that time, I started to catch a cold, which later developed into a cough. Initially, around January, my cough became severe, and the phlegm was green. After seeing the docto...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be chronic bronchitis. The primary recommendation is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. When air quality is poor, it is advisable to wear a mask. To determine if there is lung cancer, a chest X-ray or CT scan is necessary, as a diagnosis c...[Read More] Persistent Cough for Over Two Months: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
The chest X-ray shows grape-like structures? Hello, doctor. My mother is 56 years old and has been coughing for nearly a year. After visiting several nearby clinics, she hasn't improved and still coughs occasionally. I took her to the hospital for an X-ray in the past couple...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, without reviewing the X-ray and clinical examination, I cannot provide further advice. Please take the films to a pulmonologist for discussion. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Findings: What Could 'Grape-Like' Growths Mean?
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
There is a noticeable pain in the upper right chest and near the armpit? Hello Doctor: 1. I have been smoking for about 10 years. The dentist said I have periodontal disease, and my teeth are prone to inflammation and food getting stuck. Occasionally, I cough up blood, but I&#x...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Chest pain upon palpation is often due to localized neuromuscular pain. When chest pain reaches a certain severity in lung cancer, it is often due to invasion of the pleura. A chest CT scan has been performed; please discuss this further with your physician.[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Three-Week Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns About Lung Cancer
Coughing for approximately three weeks? Hello Doctor, (1) I have been coughing for over three weeks, with symptoms of dryness and itchiness in the throat and trachea that fluctuate; sometimes it itches a lot, and other times it's manageable. (2) I do not cough while sleep...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of cough, and early-stage lung cancer often presents with non-specific symptoms. Please consult a physician for a diagnosis.[Read More] Three-Week Cough: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns About Lung Cancer
Chronic Cough for Over Two Months: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Intermittent cough for more than two months? Hello doctor, I started coughing about a month ago, accompanied by green sputum. I have seen several doctors and have taken three different antibiotics. The green sputum and cough have improved, but I still occasionally cough a few tim...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to quit smoking. 2. You may go to the pulmonology department for a follow-up chest X-ray.[Read More] Chronic Cough for Over Two Months: Should I Worry About Lung Cancer?
Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Lung abnormalities have been present for over two months, and the cause is still unknown? Hello, doctor. My mother is 70 years old and has recently shown abnormalities in her lungs. The situation is as follows: 1. A few years ago, she had pulmonary tuberculosis in her right upp...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Without imaging data, it is difficult to determine which condition is more likely. Based on your description, diagnosis may not be easy; a 7 cm increase in size over 9 months raises concerns for a tumor that cannot be ruled out. A bronchoscopy should be performed to check ...[Read More] Unexplained Lung Abnormalities: Seeking Answers for a 70-Year-Old Patient
Understanding Green Phlegm Cough: Causes and When to Seek Help
Green phlegm cough Hello Doctor, I have been coughing for almost a month. At first, I didn't think much of it, but two weeks ago, I started coughing up green phlegm in the morning, so I went to see a doctor. I took medication for seven days, which included antibiotics. Howev...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You still need to go to the hospital for a chest X-ray. If there are no issues, you can return to your home country to handle it. If there are any problems, consult your physician for further management.[Read More] Understanding Green Phlegm Cough: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Coughing for over a month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent cough for over a month, although it is not severe. About two weeks ago, I coughed up green phlegm, so I went to a clinic and took two different types of antibiotics. The first antibiotic did not improv...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: Please consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to check for inflammation or other issues. Lung cancer may not always be visible on a chest X-ray; if there is a history of smoking or a family history of lung cancer, you may consider paying out-of-pocket for a low-dose che...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Can CT Scans Determine Lung Cancer Spread to the Pleura?
Can a CT scan determine if lung cancer has metastasized to the pleura? Hello Doctor: 1. Can a CT scan determine if lung cancer has invaded or metastasized to the visceral pleura or chest wall? 2. In my mother's pre-operative examination report, it states "GGO (size 2...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is currently unclear whether it is a tumor, as the CT scan has not provided confirmation. Although it is in contact with the pleura, this does not necessarily indicate pleural metastasis. It is recommended to seek the opinion of a thoracic surgeon regarding the possibil...[Read More] Can CT Scans Determine Lung Cancer Spread to the Pleura?
Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Yellow-green sputum Hello doctor, I have had a mild cough for the past month, and for about two weeks, I've been producing yellowish phlegm. On the morning of January 19th, the first phlegm I coughed up was green, so I immediately went to see a doctor. I recently traveled ab...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, to rule out pneumonia, a chest X-ray (CXR) is necessary for confirmation, and follow-up CXR is also recommended. However, the diagnosis of lung cancer may require more precise examinations, as CXR can only detect larger and more obvious lung cancers. Please consult with th...[Read More] Understanding Yellow-Green Phlegm: Causes and When to Seek Help
Prognosis of Semisolid Nodules in Pulmonary Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
Prognosis of semisolid nodules? Dear Dr. Jian, I have two questions I would like to ask you: 1. Regarding malignant nodules, solid nodules generally have a poorer prognosis, while ground-glass opacities (GGO) have a better prognosis. I would like to inquire about the prognosis...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
According to academic theory, lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) typically begins as ground-glass opacities (GGO), then progresses to semi-solid lesions, and finally to solid lesions. If a lesion is benign, it usually presents as solid from the outset. Therefore, statistically, GGOs an...[Read More] Prognosis of Semisolid Nodules in Pulmonary Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Bronchiectasis Hello Dr. Yang, I am Sandy, who consulted you about bronchiectasis on November 22. I appreciate your response, but I still have some concerns I would like to discuss. I have been suffering from recurrent pneumonia for the past seven years, which has led to localize...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First of all, congratulations on the improvement of your respiratory symptoms. The 20-30 chest X-rays and the bronchiectasis currently do not show any correlation with the incidence of lung cancer, so please do not worry! Inhaling lung irritants or secondhand smoke is some...[Read More] Understanding Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies
Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Pulmonary emphysema Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my brother, who is a premature infant with incomplete lung development and has issues with pulmonary alveolar obstruction. He is allergic to the medication for alveolar obstruction, so he can only use an inhaler. Current...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, the classification of emphysema or obstructive lung disease is based on lung function and the frequency of recent acute exacerbations. However, with proper use of inhaled medications for management, it is usually possible to delay the deterioration of respiratory function,...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Bubble Obstruction in Preterm Infants
Understanding Lung Nodules: Could They Indicate Lung Cancer?
Tuberculosis is cured? Four years ago, I had tuberculosis (with cavitation), which was severe. I completed treatment and recently underwent a health check for work, during which I filled out a form stating I had no diseases. After the report came out, it indicated a suspected nod...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, in most cases, the residual fibrotic tissue remains after tuberculosis treatment; however, there are rare instances where malignant transformation may occur. For detailed information, please consult your treating physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Could They Indicate Lung Cancer?
Is MRI a Viable Option for Lung Cancer Screening Besides CT?
In addition to CT scans, is MRI feasible for lung cancer screening? Hello, Dr. Huang. This is Ms. Lin. I have a follow-up question. I had a mammogram in July, an X-ray for a cough in August, and two more X-rays in November. Now I am scheduled for a CT scan and I'm concerned ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: Based on your description, the screening is aimed at reducing radiation exposure. Currently, low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (CT) is used, which has less radiation and provides clear images (but requires out-of-pocket payment). Magnetic resonance imagi...[Read More] Is MRI a Viable Option for Lung Cancer Screening Besides CT?
What Further Tests Should I Consider for Chest Discomfort?
What should be checked? Hello Doctor: I have a very sensitive itching sensation on the right side of my chest (below the breast along the sternum). It feels like an internal itch, and sometimes it triggers a cough; I also experience itching when taking deep breaths. I visited a p...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: Your issue is indeed quite rare. Currently, the most concerning condition in the general environment is lung cancer. Early-stage lung cancer cannot be diagnosed through X-rays. If you are worried, you can opt for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, which can ...[Read More] What Further Tests Should I Consider for Chest Discomfort?