Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
The progression of lung cancer metastasis occurs through several stages. Initially, cancer cells may invade nearby lung tissue. From there, they can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, allowing them to spread to other parts of the body. Common Hello, Doctor. Currently, the...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek consultation for diagnosis. The progression of cancer varies significantly among individuals. The size of a nodule is not a definitive indicator of metastasis; there are cases where small malignant lung tumors have already metastasized. I understa...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Metastasis: Key Insights
Understanding MRI Scans for Lung Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
MRI examination Hello Doctor, my father has been coughing for a long time. In early February of this year, a chest X-ray at Wan Fang Hospital revealed a 1.7 cm tumor in the right upper lung and a 6.7 cm tumor in the central lung. The attending physician assessed that the 1.7 cm t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, major hospitals have limited medical capacity, and we understand your anxiety about your family's health. The attending physician and the hospital's handling process are within a reasonable range, and there won't be significant differences in the treatment p...[Read More] Understanding MRI Scans for Lung Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Lung Tumors: Insights on Diagnosis and Next Steps
Tumor and lung cancer issues? Dear Dr. Yang, After a family member underwent a chest X-ray as part of a health check-up, a nodule was discovered, which was subsequently confirmed by a CT scan. A PET-CT, bone scan, and MRI have been arranged, and we are currently awaiting the rep...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, the CT report suggests a malignant lung tumor, mentioning enlarged mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes. A pathological biopsy is still needed to confirm the malignancy before staging. If it is indeed a malignant tumor, it would be at least stage III. The definitive stagin...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Insights on Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities in Lung Imaging: Diagnosis and Follow-Up
Ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the lungs? 1. A small ground-glass nodule in the left upper lung field (size not specified), suspected to be a granuloma or chronic inflammation, but a potential lung tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis. 2. No significant mediast...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The size is not specified, but it is usually very small (possibly less than 5mm). The key point is that there is no significant change compared to July 16, 2020, so it may be sufficient to continue monitoring. It is recommended to have an X-ray in six months and a CT scan ...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Opacities in Lung Imaging: Diagnosis and Follow-Up
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
Chest pain and stabbing discomfort? In the past few days, I initially experienced pain in the right side of my chest, but now I feel pain on both sides. I had an X-ray done, and the doctor said it shouldn't be a lung issue. However, when I press on the right side, I can feel...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Lung tumors are typically not palpable and should be visible on X-rays if they are larger than one centimeter. I believe it may be soft tissue (fat or muscle) in the chest wall. The chest wall can often be painful with pressure, so I recommend avoiding further pressure. Ge...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Help for Possible Tumors
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
Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Do hospital workers need to undergo annual chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis? Is it not sufficient to first perform a PPD/TST test? In my previous work at a hospital in the United States, I only had to undergo a chest X-ray upon starting my job, and then an annual PPD test, ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The radiation dose from a chest X-ray is extremely low, and chest X-ray examinations are not only for detecting tuberculosis, lung tumors, or other pulmonary diseases; they remain the primary method for chest imaging. In Taiwan, many individuals may test positive on the PP...[Read More] Do Hospital Workers in Taiwan Need Annual Chest X-Rays for TB?
Understanding New Lung Shadows on X-rays: What Could They Mean?
The chest X-ray shows abnormalities? Hello, doctor. My father is 65 years old and has moderate COPD. He has experienced asthma symptoms for the past 3-4 years and occasionally coughs. During a follow-up visit on August 3rd, a chest X-ray revealed a 2 cm white shadow at the lower ...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello, a chest X-ray cannot be used to screen for lung tumors due to the influence of image quality and the presence of interpretive blind spots. Therefore, a computed tomography (CT) scan is needed for further evaluation. There are many possible causes for lung shadows, and some...[Read More] Understanding New Lung Shadows on X-rays: What Could They Mean?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Left chest pain? Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent left-sided chest pain (which feels like pressure) for the past year. The pain worsens with coughing and tilting my head back. I had a chest X-ray in January 2018, which was normal (I have had three X-rays during th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. If the chest X-ray and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) do not show any lesions sufficient to explain the chest pain, you may first consult with an orthopedic or cardiology specialist. 2. The LDCT report from June 2016 indicates infiltration; the follow-up interval s...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
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 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
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 Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Pain with deep breathing? Hello Doctor: Last month, after having a cold, I have been experiencing a persistent itchy throat and dry cough for the past month. I have taken both Western and Chinese medicine, which have slightly alleviated the cough, but I still have a dry cough. Wh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The presence of significant pain points makes the likelihood of lung issues lower. Low-dose computed tomography is used for screening early lung tumors; however, at 26 years old, and without a family history, it is currently not recommended. Nevertheless, if the persistent...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Persistent Cough After a Cold
Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks
A chest CT scan revealed several tumors approximately four centimeters in size? Hello Doctor: My father was suddenly hospitalized on October 8, 2016, due to a high fever and respiratory distress with wheezing. After a chest CT scan, a dark spot was found on the right side of his ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
DEAR JESSICA: Currently, you are on anticoagulants, and you need to stop them for at least a week before the examination. A tuberculoma is a possibility, but four centimeters is somewhat large. It would be best to find old films for comparison, as this may eliminate the need for ...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Results: Evaluating Lung Tumors and Biopsy Risks
Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
There is a tumor approximately 3 centimeters in size in the left lung lobe? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother has been experiencing a cough due to a cold for about a month. Her condition has been fluctuating, and in the past two weeks, she has been coughing up phlegm with blood s...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
A 2-3 cm nodule or mass in the lungs may be indicative of inflammation (such as pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infection), but it could also be a lung tumor (benign or malignant, which can only be distinguished through pathology reports). The attending physician will arrange fo...[Read More] Concerns About a 3cm Tumor in the Left Lung Lobe: What to Know
Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Persistent cough? Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to consult you regarding my persistent cough. Since March 2016, after being infected with a cold from a family member, I have been experiencing a continuous cough for over a month now. I have visited five different clinics without i...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of cough. Usually, a persistent cough is unlikely to be just a simple cold. The most common causes include chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung tumors. However, consid...[Read More] Persistent Cough: Understanding Chronic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Understanding Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
Bronchial provocation test I have been experiencing chest tightness and coughing for a while, and I am concerned about the possibility of a lung tumor, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor arranged for a bronchial provocation test using methacholine at concent...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ah Yan: 1. The stimulation concentration is very low, so it should not reach as many as 40 times. 2. There are no reports of carcinogenicity for this drug, so please rest assured. Best wishes![Read More] Understanding Bronchial Provocation Tests and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor: On the evening of August 22, I began experiencing pain in the left side of my chest, near the heart. The pain worsened with breathing; inhaling a certain amount would cause a dull ache. By the 23rd, the pain had become sharp and gradually radiated t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Pingping: After the cardiologist's evaluation, including an electrocardiogram and X-ray examination, heart disease has been largely ruled out. However, your symptoms seem not to have completely resolved. Given your history of bronchial sensitivity, it is suspected that...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
Determination of malignant lung tumors? Hello Dr. Yang: I have undergone X-ray and CT scans, which confirmed that I have a malignant tumor approximately six centimeters in size in my left lung, and it has already metastasized to all lung lobes. However, the attending physician st...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mellow: The bronchoscopy examination can indeed be quite uncomfortable (unless one opts for a painless endoscopy at their own expense, which may not be available at every hospital). Additionally, I am unsure about the distance of the tumor from the chest wall. If it is clos...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and the Need for Biopsy Confirmation
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?
How long does a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis need to be hospitalized for diagnosis? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing intermittent fever and coughing for two weeks. Initially, he just went to the clinic to get cold medicine, but later he developed a fever in th...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, diagnoses such as lung tumors, pneumonia, and tuberculosis cannot be immediately ruled out. The physician is currently conducting differential diagnoses, and since there is a clinical possibility of tuberculosis, hospitalization in an isolation r...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Tuberculosis in the Hospital?