Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Imaging Interpretation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Dear Dr. Zhou, My wife was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, which has spread to both lungs. After examination, the doctors determined that targeted therapy was not suitable, and the effectiveness of conventional ch...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: Imaging studies may not definitively tell you what it is. Therefore, each method of monitoring or biopsy has its pros and cons. From a diagnostic standpoint, to confirm the possibility, surgery may still be necessary. However, since it is an invasive procedure, please disc...[Read More] Understanding Imaging Interpretation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Management
Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Chest X-ray issues (with image) The report indicates a suspected small square-shaped shadow near the left upper lung in the third intercostal space, close to the mediastinum, which may also be an image of nearby bone. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evalu...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello, you can change your position and take another image or proceed directly with a chest CT scan. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chou Tzu-Kuang.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Findings: Evaluating Suspicious Shadows
Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dry cough with right chest pain? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing low-grade fevers around 37.5-38 degrees Celsius in the afternoons for the past two weeks. About 4-5 days ago, I visited a clinic due to mild coughing symptoms, and after a urine test, the doctor diagnosed me...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Since you have been experiencing a cough and low-grade fever for the past two weeks, it is recommended to have another chest X-ray to confirm that there are no signs of lung infection (including tuberculosis). Latent tuberculosis infection indicates that you have b...[Read More] Understanding Dry Cough and Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Cough with Blood: Causes and Next Steps
Coughing with discomfort in the trachea and blood-tinged sputum? Hello, Doctor. Ever since I recovered from a prolonged cough four years ago, I now experience discomfort in my trachea and sometimes notice blood in my cough whenever I catch a cold and cough. (Four years ago, my co...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: You may want to visit an otolaryngologist to check for any nasopharyngeal and sinus issues. Additionally, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist for a repeat chest X-ray. Please consult with the pulmonologist to determine if a chest CT scan, bronchoscopy, or other examin...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough with Blood: Causes and Next Steps
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 Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
Itchy sensation in the left thoracic cavity? Hello Dr. Jian: I previously had a cold and coughed up blood. I later had a CT scan, and the doctor said my lungs were fine and my lung function was normal. However, I now cough less, but I often feel an itch in my left chest cavity (w...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to perform a bronchoscopy. Sincerely, [Your Name].[Read More] Understanding Itchy Sensations in the Left Chest: Causes and Concerns
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
Persistent Cough and Weakness: Exploring Alternatives to Sputum Tests
I have been coughing continuously, and recently my body has been feeling increasingly weak? Hello doctor, I've been coughing since early December and it's now early February. At first, I thought it was just a cold, so I didn't seek medical attention. A few days bef...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Sam: Coughing for three weeks and testing sputum is a basic concept in tuberculosis screening. Since your boyfriend is also a pulmonary tuberculosis patient, you should definitely get tested. The first sputum sample in the morning is generally more accurate, but it doesn...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Weakness: Exploring Alternatives to Sputum Tests
Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chronic intermittent cough? Hello, Dr. Zhou. I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for a year. I always feel like I can't clear my left lung, and my left throat is itchy. Whenever it itches, I feel the urge to cough. Occasionally, I have some clear phlegm, which is ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of chronic cough. In addition to issues related to the lungs and bronchitis, it may also be due to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and other possibilities that require further differential diagnosis. 2. For the pulm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Intermittent Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Respiratory Arrest: AHI Levels and Post-Surgery Concerns
Issues Related to Respiratory Arrest The doctor would like to ask a question unrelated to your specialty. Respiratory cessation falls under the scope of pulmonary medicine, and severity is generally assessed using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). However, my question is about a si...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: If surgery does not completely resolve your sleep apnea issues, it indicates that there are other factors contributing to your breathing problems that still need to be addressed (the upper airway obstruction has already improved), such as weight loss or other factors. It i...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Arrest: AHI Levels and Post-Surgery Concerns
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 Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing a sensation of not being able to breathe, a feeling of tightness in my throat, constriction in my airways, bloating in my stomach, and chest tightness (mostly in the front of my chest). When I take deep breaths,...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
You can first visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic to have a chest X-ray and assess if there are any issues with lung function. If it is not a pulmonology issue, please consult the attending physician about which specialty to see next. It could potentially be related to gastro...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Left chest pain? Pain in the left chest (below the rib cage) when pressed, turning while sitting, laughing, or exerting effort (especially with the left arm) could indicate several potential issues. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, specifically a cardiologist...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Please see the pulmonology outpatient clinic. After evaluation by the pulmonologist, they will advise whether a referral to another specialty is necessary. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Cold Symptoms During Active Tuberculosis Treatment
Pulmonary tuberculosis with a cold? If a patient is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and then contracts a cold, is it necessary to seek medical attention for the cold? Should the patient see a pulmonologist, or is it sufficient to visit an otolaryngology clinic? Will the med...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: It is quite common to experience a cold while undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Whether or not to seek medical attention depends on your symptoms. If you only have mild symptoms, increasing your fluid intake should suffice. However, if you are feeling...[Read More] Managing Cold Symptoms During Active Tuberculosis Treatment
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?
Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: When to Resume Intense Exercise and Air Travel
Post-pneumothorax surgery: Exercise and flying? Hello, Doctor. I underwent minimally invasive surgery for a pneumothorax on January 13th. In addition to addressing the original hole, the surgeon also treated four other potential weak spots. I am currently recovering well, with th...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: After completing treatment for a spontaneous pneumothorax, it is recommended to wait three weeks before engaging in vigorous exercise or flying. It is advisable to avoid activities that involve straining or holding your breath, such as weightlifting or diving. Some airline...[Read More] Post-Pneumothorax Surgery: When to Resume Intense Exercise and Air Travel
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I have discomfort in my left chest cavity, and it hurts when I breathe? Hello Doctor: I had a cesarean section, and the changes in weather have caused my body to frequently experience issues. I work at a hotel front desk, and the irregular early and late shifts have led to sleep ...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Ting: Hello, I feel discomfort in my left chest and pain when breathing. Could this be related to a thoracic condition, or is it just a neuromuscular issue? I recommend visiting a thoracic specialist for a more thorough examination. Thank you for your consultation, Huang Ruiming.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions