Concerns About Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
Worrisome pulmonary nodules Hello, Director Huang. Thank you for your valuable time. I do not smoke and occasionally cook. During my health check in February, a pulmonary nodule was discovered, and the follow-up results this month are as follows: IMP: 1. Regressive change of cavi...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu: The micronodule still requires careful monitoring; it is best to have another examination in six months. A size of 2mm is acceptable. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Concerns About Lung Nodules: What You Need to Know
When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello, doctor. I have an elderly family member who is 87 years old and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are currently in a long-term care facility and are experiencing shortness of breath and low blood oxygen leve...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the long-term care center should have medical personnel to assist in assessment. Additionally, the evaluation of shortness of breath and blood oxygen levels must be based on the patient's condition at the time, as each patient's baseline can vary significantly. G...[Read More] When to Seek Medical Attention for Elderly COPD Patients: Key Signs and Guidelines
Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report of the Lungs Hello Dr. Yang: My family member is a breast cancer patient who just completed treatment in January of this year. Since January, they have been experiencing phlegm retention, and occasionally the phlegm is reddish-brown. They have ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The CT scan report looks fine. Sinusitis (possibly post-nasal drip) and bronchitis may cause minor mucosal bleeding, leading to changes in the color of the sputum. Since the examination showed no significant issues, try not to worry about it![Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Scan Results for Lung Health Concerns
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left chest tightness and stabbing pain? Hello Doctor: For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my left chest (occasionally in the center) that is mild and intermittent, not severe. Sometimes it feels like a dull ache when I inhale, and at other times, t...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended to check both specialties. Aside from the uncertainty regarding chest pain, no other respiratory symptoms were mentioned. It would be advisable to first consult a cardiologist to evaluate whether additional tests beyond an electrocardiogram are ...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Monitoring Lung Nodules and Local Fibrosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Follow-up on pulmonary nodules and localized fibrosis? Dear Director, I hope you are well. I previously consulted you on this platform on September 7, 2021, regarding my health check in October 2020, which showed pulmonary nodules and localized fibrosis on a low-dose CT scan (the...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Congratulations on your recent CT report showing that the 3mm nodule has not increased in size and is no longer visible. It is likely that it was just an inflammatory lesion that has been absorbed. Local pleural thickening usually does not change significantly or disappear...[Read More] Monitoring Lung Nodules and Local Fibrosis: Key Insights and Follow-Up
Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Factory smoke and oil fume issues? Hello Doctor, my parents are currently 50 years old and have been working in a CNC factory for 30 years, inhaling industrial oil mist and exhaust gases. Although the factory has ventilation, I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Doe...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello: The public is aware that air pollution in the environment and workplace can indeed increase risks, but the risk associated with airborne contaminants in the workplace cannot currently be quantified. Generally, regular occupational health examinations are conducted for norm...[Read More] Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide
Training for Tracheostomy Decannulation: Key Considerations for Elderly Patients
How to train for tracheostomy decannulation? My mother suffered a brain hemorrhage from a fall in January of this year. At that time, the doctors assessed that she was in a coma and unable to breathe on her own. After two months of treatment and over five months of care, she can ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Dear public, Tracheostomy training can generally be conducted when vital signs are stable and medical personnel are present. While a productive cough and the presence of sputum may slightly affect the success rate, these factors should not be the sole reason to postpone trainin...[Read More] Training for Tracheostomy Decannulation: Key Considerations for Elderly Patients
Understanding Occasional Right Chest Pain: Causes and Insights
Occasional sharp pain in the right chest? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain in the area between my ribs, about three finger widths above my right nipple, which lasts for about 10 seconds before returning to normal. A while ago, I visited the hosp...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, the public. Based on what you have described, you have seen various specialists but no abnormalities were found. If the aforementioned specialties have ruled out any issues, intercostal pain is often related to muscular or neurological factors, typically caused by fatigue ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Right Chest Pain: Causes and Insights
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights
The retest of the ground-glass opacities is still ongoing? Seventeen years ago, my mother discovered an approximately 8mm ground-glass nodule at the age of 46. She underwent surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, which confirmed it was stage 0 lung adenocarcinoma (she is...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Kai: Regarding your question, 1. The presence of ground-glass opacities is not a concern; however, we cannot rule out the possibility of other issues, so regular HRCT scans are necessary. 2. For the interpretation of the scans, please consult your physician. 3. If you are un...[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Family History Insights
Understanding Rapid Deterioration in Lung Cancer Patients After Radiation Therapy
Cancer treatment Hello Dr. Kuo, my father has been a patient with lung adenocarcinoma that progressed to small cell lung cancer (2020-2023), with metastases to the bones and liver (from November 2022 to January 2023). During his hospitalization from November 29, 2022, to January ...
Dr. Guo Hongyi Reply:
Hello, Miss. I have received your inquiry and I am deeply sorry to hear about your father's illness. Based on your description, your father has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma that has progressed to small cell lung cancer (2020-2023), with metastases to the bones and...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Deterioration in Lung Cancer Patients After Radiation Therapy
How to Confirm Bone Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma?
How to confirm if it is bone metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor: My mother is 58 years old and has type 2 diabetes (controlled with medication, no insulin required). She was hospitalized for examination from June 24 to July 6. A tumor was found on her thyroid, whic...
Dr. Tao Ruiming Reply:
Hello: There is a type of Bone Scan in nuclear medicine that can help.[Read More] How to Confirm Bone Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma?
Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Can individuals with profound intellectual disabilities undergo training for tracheostomy tube removal? Two years ago, my brother was hospitalized for choking and required emergency treatment. After intubation and subsequent observation, his blood oxygen levels dropped and his br...
Dr. Cai Zongwei Reply:
Hello: The removal of the tracheostomy tube requires the evaluation of multiple indicators and cannot be based solely on cognitive assessment. Additionally, according to regulations, this medical consultation cannot provide a diagnosis. Please consult the original treating physic...[Read More] Can Patients with Severe Intellectual Disability Train for Tracheostomy Removal?
Understanding Bilateral Sharp Costophrenic Angles in Chest X-Ray Reports
Bilateral sharp costophrenic angles means that both costophrenic angles, which are the angles formed by the diaphragm Hello, doctor. Recently, after completing chemotherapy, I was hospitalized for surgery. Before my admission, I underwent routine pre-admission tests, including a ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Becca: Bilateral sharp costophrenic angles essentially indicate that the angles between the diaphragm and the rib cage on both sides are sharper than usual, which is not a concern. If there are additional findings, there could be a possibility of pleural effusion. Currently,...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Sharp Costophrenic Angles in Chest X-Ray Reports
Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Does Bilateral Pulmonary Hilum Prominence Mean?
X-ray report Hello, Director. What does this report mean? Chest: Prominence of the bilateral pulmonary hilum is noted. Otherwise, there is no significant abnormality. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear U: Essentially, this report should be fine. The hilum of the lung contains the pulmonary arteries, veins, lymphatics, and nerves, and any enlargement or protrusion is usually associated with pulmonary hypertension or lymphadenopathy. However, the findings in this report are ...[Read More] Understanding Your Chest X-Ray Report: What Does Bilateral Pulmonary Hilum Prominence Mean?
Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
The CYFRA 21-1 test result is elevated? Hello Doctor: I had a company health check today in January while I was 8 months pregnant. The test report showed a CYFRA 21-1 level of 2.16 in red. After giving birth, I had a follow-up chest X-ray in April, which showed no abnormalities. ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Vicjy: During pregnancy, CYFRA 21-1 levels may increase. Postpartum X-rays are normal. You can have another CYFRA 21-1 test, and if the results are normal, no further testing is needed. However, this marker is not exclusive to lung cancer; other conditions such as breast can...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CYFRA 21-1 Levels During Pregnancy: Next Steps
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Left chest pain? Today, I felt a slight intermittent pain in my left chest, and throughout the day, the pain has been quite frequent. Recent chest X-ray results from a health check showed everything to be normal. Aside from the mild intermittent pain in my left chest, I have no o...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a cardiologist for an examination to check for any issues. If there are no problems with the thoracic cavity and heart, it may be intercostal neuralgia.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Should You Repeat LDCT for Lung Nodules? Key Considerations
Should another LDCT scan be performed for the pulmonary nodule? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I underwent a health check at a health examination center, during which a digital tomosynthesis of the chest revealed a 0.5 cm nodule in the right lower lobe of my lung. The health examin...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: LDCT will not have issues with insufficient lung inflation that could lead to missing nodules. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing an additional LDCT scan at your own expense![Read More] Should You Repeat LDCT for Lung Nodules? Key Considerations
Understanding Left Rib and Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left-sided rib and chest pain? Hello Doctor, in the past two weeks, I have been experiencing pain on the outer side of my left rib cage, along the lower edge of my left chest, and beneath my left clavicle, which sometimes has a specific point of pain and other times is more gener...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: For chest pain, you can consult a pulmonologist to check for any issues with a chest X-ray. For headaches and nausea, you may want to see a neurologist to determine if they are related to prolonged computer use.[Read More] Understanding Left Rib and Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Consultation on Tracheal Medications for Lung Health Concerns
Tracheal-related medication consultation? Dr. Wu, your response is as follows: Have you undergone pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity? If there is obstructive lung disease, inhalers can be used instead of oral medications. My reply: I have had pulmonary function test...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: If everything is normal and there is no improvement after taking the medication, you should stop taking it.[Read More] Consultation on Tracheal Medications for Lung Health Concerns
Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?
The health check report indicates a solid nodule in the right upper lobe of the lung. Should it be monitored? Dear Dr. Zhou, I am currently about to turn 30 in a month. I had a health check-up in early May, which included a low-radiation chest CT scan. Recently, I received the r...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
Hello: As previously suggested, please visit the pulmonology department for an evaluation of the "risk factors" by a physician, and then discuss the follow-up with the doctor.[Read More] Should You Follow Up on a Detected Lung Nodule After a Health Check?