Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
Enlargement of the right pulmonary hilum? Doctor, my mother had a health check-up and the X-ray results showed an enlargement of the right hilum of the lung. After further examination at the hospital, the doctor determined that it could possibly be due to vascular enlargement or ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Mr. Yeh, here is a brief response: 1. There is minimal exposure to lint in your work environment. 2. The hilum of the lung is composed of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and bronchial structures. The chest X-ray only raises suspicion of enlargement, and further clinical e...[Read More] Understanding Right Hilar Enlargement: Causes and Concerns
Understanding a 2.2 cm Lung Tumor: Causes of Chest and Back Pain
Pulmonary tumor measuring 2.2 centimeters? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from unexplained chest pain and back pain (her arm cannot be fully extended) as well as esophageal pain for over a month. She has seen many doctors, some of whom said the esophageal pain is due ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear: Hello, why do we have to wait a week for the biopsy? It seems a bit long. As for what has been described, it is all possible. If it is urgent, a PET scan can be done first, but since this is not the standard procedure, it may require out-of-pocket expenses. Additional tumor...[Read More] Understanding a 2.2 cm Lung Tumor: Causes of Chest and Back Pain
Should You Wait Six Months to Monitor a 0.5 cm Lung Tumor?
A 0.5 cm tumor was found on the CT scan? Hello, doctor. I underwent a health check-up and had a test for the lung cancer tumor marker Cyfra 21-1, which resulted in a value of 5.8 (with a reference range of <3.3). I later had a CT scan that revealed a 0.5 cm tumor in my lung, b...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear emilycarry: Your concerns are valid; it can be unsettling to monitor abnormal data without further investigation. However, the situation you mentioned is indeed a blind spot in pulmonology. It may also be important to know if there is a history of smoking, any other chronic ...[Read More] Should You Wait Six Months to Monitor a 0.5 cm Lung Tumor?
Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Regarding lung tumors? Hello, my grandmother is nearly 90 years old, weighs 48 kg, and is able to take care of herself. She requires a cane to walk due to knee joint degeneration. She has been experiencing a long-term cough and has only been receiving cough and expectorant medica...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if a 90-year-old patient has lung cancer, the first step is to identify the type of cancer cells and determine the stage of the lung cancer. If it is stage I or II, radiation therapy or surgical resection may be considered (provided that cardiac ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Conflicting Opinions on Aspergilloma Management: What Should Patients Do?
Pulmonary Aspergilloma (Part II) Dr. Zhou, we have received two completely different opinions; one suggests immediate intervention, while the other recommends observation for a year. We are quite troubled! The thoracic surgeon's admission note states "Lung tumor, suspec...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, 1. According to your statement, if it is indeed a pulmonary fungal ball, it typically arises in a pre-existing lung cavity where the fungus subsequently grows. Generally, it can coexist with patients who have normal immune function without the need for antifungal treatme...[Read More] Conflicting Opinions on Aspergilloma Management: What Should Patients Do?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Granulomas and Health Implications
Health Check Report: Abnormal X-ray Findings Hello Dr. Yang, I received my health check report from last month today, and it indicates a suspected granuloma near the left hilum on the chest X-ray. Is this the same as the fibrotic granuloma that other users have inquired about? Do...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Aaron: A granuloma is also a type of lung tumor, classified as a benign tumor, but it usually requires a pathological biopsy report to confirm it. The interpreting physician may suggest follow-up in 3-6 months based on indirect evidence leaning towards "benign," s...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Granulomas and Health Implications
Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
A scratchy throat can cause coughing? Hello, Doctor: About a month ago, I first noticed my voice was a bit hoarse, which improved after a day or two. Then I started to cough. The coughing occurs throughout the day and at night while sleeping, and I don't feel it is worse at ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Ruiven: The X-ray results show no issues, and major pulmonary diseases (including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung tumors) have been ruled out. The remaining concern is the excessive sensitivity of the trachea and nasal passages. In addition to medication, it is important...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough and Throat Irritation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Lung tumor Doctor: I would like to know about painless bronchoscopy for biopsy. Is it performed in the same way as a regular bronchoscopy, entering through the nose for the biopsy? Is the cost considered out-of-pocket? There is a 7 cm tumor that has not been biopsied yet. The doc...
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: 1. A painless bronchoscopy refers to the use of short-acting anesthetics to alleviate the discomfort experienced by patients during the bronchoscopy procedure, and there is no absolute relationship between whether the bronchoscope is inserted through the nasal cavity or th...[Read More] Understanding Painless Bronchoscopy for Lung Tumor Biopsy: Costs and Accuracy
Exploring Lung Tumor Diagnosis: Beyond Bronchoscopy for 7cm Growth
The lung tumor is 7 centimeters in size? Doctor: My father was recently diagnosed with a 7 cm lung tumor. He has decided not to go to the hospital for further examinations after hearing the news. His blood tests came back normal, and he rarely coughs. Overall, he seems to be doin...
Dr. Qu Changke Reply:
Hello Weiwei: The methods for obtaining tissue samples for pathological examination of lung tumors primarily include bronchoscopic biopsy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, and CT-guided percutaneous biopsy. However, bronchoscopic examination is essential for staging.[Read More] Exploring Lung Tumor Diagnosis: Beyond Bronchoscopy for 7cm Growth
Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Lung tumor An 80-year-old male has been found to have a lung tumor with no symptoms. A CT scan has already been performed. What is the ratio of benign to malignant tumors in this case?
Dr. Zhuang Ziyi Reply:
Hello: I am unable to provide you with an answer regarding your concerns, as there are no examination reports or medical history available. I recommend that you consult your mother's attending physician for a clearer understanding. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant Ratios in Elderly Patients
Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
Coughing up blood? Hello doctor, my mother coughed up a small amount of blood today, but it's not a lot and it doesn't happen every time she coughs. I want to take her to the hospital, but she insists on not going, and I'm still very worried. She does have a cold; ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, coughing up blood is primarily caused by damage to the bronchial mucosa, leading to the rupture of microvessels. The most common cause is bronchitis, but it can also be due to bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or lung tumors. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a...[Read More] Is Coughing Up Blood Normal with a Cold? Expert Insights
What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
What does it mean when a chest X-ray shows pulmonary opacities? The presence of opacities or whiteness on a chest X-ray can indicate several conditions affecting the lungs. This phenomenon, known as "pulmonary opacification," may suggest the presence of pneumonia, pulmo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Machelle: In a standard chest X-ray, the white, gourd-shaped area in the middle represents the heart. The dark areas on both sides are the lungs (which are filled with air and appear black on the X-ray). When the lungs appear white, it may indicate conditions such as lung i...[Read More] What Does Whiteness on Lung X-Ray Indicate? Understanding the Condition
Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Lung pain? My husband sometimes experiences lung pain when he doesn't smoke or after drinking alcohol. The pain is severe, making it difficult for him to walk. He refuses to see a doctor. What could be the issue with his lungs? I'm anxious for a quick response.
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
There are many causes of chest pain, including cardiovascular issues, pneumothorax, pneumonia, and lung tumors, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital for some basic examinations in order to determine the appropriate further management. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Severe Lung Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
I would like to ask what granulomas are? In August, my health check-up report indicated that I have a benign "granuloma in the left upper lung." I would like to know what this is. I have frequently experienced some sharp pain in the left chest area. One night, I went to...
Dr. Xu Jialin Reply:
Granuloma is a pathological diagnosis typically caused by prolonged stimulation of local tissue due to infection or inflammation, leading to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the formation of a benign tumor. In your case, an X-ray has revealed a nodule in the left upper lung, ...[Read More] Understanding Benign Pulmonary Granulomas: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Survival Rates for Advanced Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
How long can a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma survive? Dear Mr. Yang, I would like to inquire about my father, who has been diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, which has metastasized to the liver, spine, and heart valves. Is the primary reason for the metas...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Zhen. Your father is in the advanced stage of lung adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis, which is considered terminal cancer. The distribution of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in the human body is ubiquitous and dense. Therefore, regardless of which organ or tis...[Read More] Understanding Survival Rates for Advanced Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
Pleural effusion Hello Dr. Ding, My father-in-law recently experienced shortness of breath and shoulder pain. He visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, where an X-ray examination revealed pleural effusion. The physician stated that the cause and symptoms could not be d...
Dr. Ding Liangwen Reply:
There are many causes of pleural effusion, including tuberculosis and lung tumors as mentioned above. The fluid can be aspirated for analysis, which can help in differentiation. If differentiation is not possible, the fluid can be drained, and a chest X-ray can be performed to ch...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Challenges
Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Pleural effusion Hello, my father is a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, which has been treated and controlled for many years. Recently, he has been coughing up blood, and after a CT scan, it was found that he has pleural effusion and pneumonia. The doctor mentioned that the p...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Js: The external fluid accumulation you mentioned is likely pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural cavity outside the lungs). Recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung tumors, and heart failure can lead to pleural effusion. If possible, performing a thoracentesi...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: External vs. Internal Fluid Accumulation
Understanding Lung Tumors: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Lung tumor Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing persistent coughing and initially sought treatment for a cold. By chance, he went to a hospital in Taichung where an X-ray revealed a dark spot. He was subsequently admitted for a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of a ...
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
Lung tumors often present with symptoms similar to a cold, such as productive cough, until a persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks, at which point a chest X-ray should be considered. It is only after the X-ray that issues may be identified, and upon discovering a tumor...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Are They Mostly Benign or Malignant?
Understanding Black Spots on Lung X-rays: Possible Causes and Concerns
There are black spots on the chest X-ray? Hello Doctor: On December 15, my father underwent a chest X-ray at your hospital, which showed a suspected mass. He then had an ultrasound that also indicated a suspected mass. Is it possible that this could be lung cancer? My father does...
Dr. Guo Lucheng Reply:
It is still necessary to see the patient, inquire about relevant symptoms, and review the X-ray images in order to determine whether it is a tumor, inflammation, or another cause. Additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis of a malignant lung tumor, which is not ne...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Lung X-rays: Possible Causes and Concerns
Symptoms and Aftereffects of a Pulmonary Puncture: What to Expect
What symptoms can be expected from a pneumothorax? If there is a perforation in the lung, what symptoms might occur and are there any potential long-term effects? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, Miss Hsiao-Chen. Regarding the term "pulmonary perforation" you mentioned, it is not a recognized medical term. A more accurate condition might be a pulmonary cavity or a rupture in the pleura causing air to escape into the pleural cavity, leading to what is know...[Read More] Symptoms and Aftereffects of a Pulmonary Puncture: What to Expect