Understanding Lung Nodules: What Your CT Scan Results Mean
Lung computed tomography (CT) scan shows a nodule? Dear Doctor: I had a CT scan of my lungs, and the report results are as follows: I see there is a nodule, and I am very worried... Can you explain how a nodule (0.3cm, se3/im52) could occur? Shouldn't normal individuals typi...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Eason: Not all nodules are bad; it depends on their characteristics, such as whether they are solid, among other factors. A size of 0.3 cm is usually benign, and follow-up after one year is typically sufficient. The causes are often due to scarring from previous infections o...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: What Your CT Scan Results Mean
Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Chest issues Hello Dr. Shen, I am 29 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. I have been wanting to quit smoking for many years but have not been able to. I have been smoking for less than 9 years and tend to feel anxious about my health. On June 2, 2022, and Decembe...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Yes, please take care of yourself and live well. Life is tough, and I can empathize with your struggles. Let go of your burdens and try to enjoy life.[Read More] Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results
Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Bronchitis? Hello Doctor: Recently, members of my family have gradually developed coughing symptoms. My older brother and younger brother are getting better, but my mother and I are still coughing. My condition is more severe; I can't help but cough, and it feels like my ent...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for a cough. Given your situation, it is advisable to first visit a pulmonologist at the hospital for a chest X-ray to conduct an evaluation. The most common condition is chronic bronchitis following a cold, but it could also be due to other ...[Read More] Understanding Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
CT report of pulmonary issues? Imaging findings: The MDCT of the chest was performed without intravenous contrast medium enhancement and revealed the following: The lung parenchyma is well demonstrated with some ground-glass opacities in both lungs. The bilateral mainstem bronchi...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Lu: A 2.2 cm tumor that is indeed removed is a good thing; the absence of lymph node involvement is a positive sign, indicating that there has been no metastasis. To rule out distant metastasis, a PET scan can be performed for early detection, which can be managed effectivel...[Read More] Understanding Lung CT Findings: Ground-Glass Nodules and Next Steps
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 Chest X-Ray Results: Concerns About Pleural Plaques and Cancer
Inquire about the chest X-ray report? Hello Doctor: My mother had an X-ray at the hospital yesterday, and today I saw this note on the National Health Insurance Quick Translation: pleural plaque, suspected of metastasis. (She had a previous mastectomy for breast cancer.) I would ...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Please first consult your primary physician. This is merely a suspicion, and it is necessary to compare with previous images and arrange for further examinations to confirm. As for subsequent treatment recommendations, our department is unable to provide you with an answer...[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Concerns About Pleural Plaques and Cancer
Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Pulmonary mass of unknown origin? Hello doctor, my mother is 66 years old and has been monitored for pulmonary nodules. We have been doing low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans every six months for the past five years, and there haven't been significant changes. However, d...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: Imaging is necessary for an initial assessment of the likelihood of malignancy or benignity. A short-term follow-up can be chosen initially, and administering antibiotics and expectorants for a period of time may allow for spontaneous resolution. Additionally, among benign...[Read More] Understanding Rapidly Growing Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: I am 183 cm tall and weigh 122 kg. This week, I experienced two episodes of sudden discomfort and pain in my right chest, feeling as if my breathing had stopped, and I suddenly couldn't catch my breath. After lightly t...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to clarify the cause. Based on the description, asthma is a possible diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Rib pain Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I started experiencing occasional pain in the upper abdomen. After taking stomach medication for a few days, the pain gradually subsided. Then, I began to feel a slight soreness near the last rib on both sides, similar to muscle soreness ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your pain is not localized, which is not typical for bone metastasis. If you have had a chest X-ray in the past six months that showed no nodules or tumors, then you should not consider this possibility. It is more likely related to muscle soreness after exercise or nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Pulmonary fibrosis Regular X-ray examinations show an increase in lung markings, while another hospital reported lung infiltration without mentioning lung markings. Can lung markings and lung infiltration improve, or could they progress to pulmonary fibrosis? Currently, there are...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: 1. Essentially, pulmonary infiltration indicates the presence of inflammation, which may be symptomatic. Increased lung markings may suggest denser vascularity (clinically asymptomatic), and the interpretation of both can sometimes be subjective; a computed tomography (CT)...[Read More] Understanding Lung Fibrosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Monitoring
Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Lung nodule follow-up? 1. In the report, SRS stands for "Size Rating Scale," which is a scoring system used to assess the size of pulmonary nodules, while IM stands for "Impression Measurement," which may refer to the evaluation of the characteristics of the n...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to continue regular follow-ups as advised by your attending physician. However, for stable nodules, you may consider extending the interval between follow-ups. 2. During the two CT follow-up periods, you can also monitor with chest X-rays every six mon...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Monitoring, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Understanding Lung Patterns: Interpreting Increased Lung Markings vs. Infiltrates
Chest examination The X-ray examination shows increased lung markings, while another hospital mentioned lung infiltration without mentioning lung markings. Are lung markings and lung infiltration interpreted as the same thing? Will it resolve on its own? What kind of pathological...
Dr. Zhang Youzheng Reply:
Hello: The pulmonary markings seen on a chest X-ray refer to the vascular patterns in the lungs. Even if the report indicates an increase in these markings, it usually leans towards being non-pathological. Infiltrates typically suggest some degree of inflammation or infection in ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Patterns: Interpreting Increased Lung Markings vs. Infiltrates
Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Abnormal Cypra21-1 in two health check-ups? Hello Dr. Yang, Three years ago during my health check-up, my Cypra21-1 value was 3.4 (normal is less than 3.3). A month later, I had another blood test at the lab, and the results were normal, so I did not require any special follow-u...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The Cypra21 value is expected to fluctuate. It is recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months, along with X-ray examinations, and to have a thoracic specialist evaluate and provide recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cypra21-1 Levels: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
Questions regarding low-dose lung CT report? Dear Director, Recently, a low-dose lung CT report indicated a suspicious pneumonia-related mass measuring over 2 cm. Upon follow-up with another low-dose lung CT two months later, it was found that the original mass had nearly resolv...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The size of the bronchial nodules was not mentioned, and it is uncertain whether the scanning angle may have caused artifacts. It would be best to discuss this further with the attending physician, ideally waiting at least two months since the last outpatient visit to bett...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT Findings: Endobronchial Nodules Explained
How Often Should You Get Low-Dose Lung CT Scans? A Patient's Inquiry
Please consult the doctor again? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you a question, you advised me to let go and live peacefully. I understand your intention. I believe that my mental health issues require psychological treatment. I have informed my psychiatrist about these matters...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, it can be done in 2 years.[Read More] How Often Should You Get Low-Dose Lung CT Scans? A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Low Temperature and Pain in the Left Chest Upon Waking
Lower body temperature in the left chest upon waking? Hello, recently when I wake up and get up, I experience a sudden pain in my left chest. When I touch my left chest, I notice that the temperature is lower than normal, while the temperature in other areas is normal. After a wh...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It may be a sympathetic nervous system issue; you can visit a thoracic specialist or a neurologist for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Low Temperature and Pain in the Left Chest Upon Waking
Understanding Lung Health Concerns: Anxiety, Fatigue, and Cancer Risks
Concerns about lung health Hello Doctor, I am a 41-year-old male, 172 cm tall and weighing 80 kg. I have been suffering from anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hypochondria for over a decade. I have long-term issues with fatigue and poor sleep quality. My diet i...
Dr. Shen Bochan Reply:
Hello, Amitabha. Let go, and live peacefully.[Read More] Understanding Lung Health Concerns: Anxiety, Fatigue, and Cancer Risks
Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
The side effects of Levalbuterol (often referred to as Xopenex) and Budesonide/Formoterol (commonly known as Symbicort) include: Levalbuterol: - Tremors - Nervousness - Headache - Dizziness Hello, doctor. I had asthma frequently when I was a child, but it almost disappeared as ...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, if the physician recommends long-term use, it indicates that the occurrence of asthma attacks may lead to subsequent effects on lung function and other symptoms. Current studies have reported only a few instances of emotional impacts or oral thrush infections due to poor o...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levalbuterol and Budesonide for Asthma
Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment
Severe discomfort while taking AkuriT-4 for tuberculous pleurisy? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask, if a patient experiences severe side effects after taking medication, can the doctor adjust the medication options only from a 4-in-1 combination to a 3-in-1 or 2-in-1? Or is it...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The benefits of combination therapies such as 3-in-1, 4-in-1, or 2-in-1 medications include a reduced number of pills taken daily, which increases patient adherence. Many patients are already on chronic disease medications, so the total number of pills can be quite substan...[Read More] Managing Severe Side Effects of AkuriT-4 in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion Treatment
Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Delivery workers and lung cancer? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda). If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be si...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) currently classifies PM2.5 from air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen (sufficient evidence), but the levels do not matter for individuals; it is simply a matter of presence or absence. 2. To state the conclusion directly...[Read More] Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know