Are Three Monthly CT Scans Safe for Lung Nodules? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Is there any harm to the body from having a chest CT scan every three months? I would like to consult a doctor about ground-glass nodules in the lungs, which are said to be post-inflammatory granulomas. What is this condition? The doctor told me there is an 80% chance that it wil...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Yao Yao: I apologize for the late response regarding the ground-glass nodules and granulomas. Generally, they do not disappear, and it is important that they do not continue to enlarge. Ground-glass nodules can indeed have the potential to be associated with lung adenocarcin...[Read More] Are Three Monthly CT Scans Safe for Lung Nodules? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding 5mm Ground Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
5mm ground-glass nodule Hello Doctor, I went to a major hospital at the end of June for a lung CT scan, and the report indicated: "There is a 5mm ground-glass nodule (5mm, Se3/Im58-59) in the superior basal segment of the left lower lobe. Post-inflammatory granuloma is highl...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Miss Dou: It is correct to recommend a follow-up in 3 to 6 months for the 5 mm lesion. This recommendation is based on the tumor replication time, indicating that if there are no changes within this interval, it is relatively reassuring. There are many patterns of ground-g...[Read More] Understanding 5mm Ground Glass Nodules: What You Need to Know
Understanding Allergies: Chronic Cough and Chest Tightness Explained
Allergy, chronic cough, chest tightness? I have allergic rhinitis that occurs intermittently. Sometimes, I experience allergies when organizing things or taking clothes out of the closet, and I get nasal congestion as soon as I lie down, which forces me to breathe through my mout...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Allergic rhinitis has a higher chance of being associated with asthma. Currently, the symptoms are not very typical. It is recommended to avoid consuming too many cold foods. If you want to confirm whether you have asthma, you can consult a pulmonologist![Read More] Understanding Allergies: Chronic Cough and Chest Tightness Explained
Can Chemical Bronchitis or Laryngitis Lead to Full Recovery?
Can chemical bronchitis or laryngitis fully recover? Six weeks ago, I started experiencing coughing symptoms and a sensation of something stuck in my throat, possibly due to using too much bleach to clean the bathroom walls. These symptoms have persisted until now, and I have not...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is currently not possible to determine whether the chemical lung injury was caused by bleach. However, you have already undergone preliminary examinations, and everything seems fine at the moment. It is recommended that you focus on symptomati...[Read More] Can Chemical Bronchitis or Laryngitis Lead to Full Recovery?
Understanding Abdominal Muscle Pain in Lung Cancer Patients with Cough
Patients with lung cancer may experience abdominal muscle pain due to persistent coughing? Hello Doctor, my mother is 59 years old and is a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma patient. She has been diagnosed for about two years and has brain metastasis. She underwent whole brain radiati...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: There are many conditions that could potentially trigger a cough. Based on your description, it is currently difficult to determine the specific issue. I recommend that you take your mother for a follow-up appointment and discuss the relevant treatment options with her att...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Muscle Pain in Lung Cancer Patients with Cough
Understanding Family History of Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening
Familial inheritance of lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, Director! My mother passed away from lung adenocarcinoma at the age of 83 in 2003. She had a habit of cooking three meals a day and rarely used the range hood. I have seven siblings, currently aged between 79 and 69, with two ha...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Since your mother has lung adenocarcinoma, even though there is a family history of lung cancer, you may consider undergoing a low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Understanding Family History of Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Regarding left chest pain? Hello, doctor. Last month, I experienced pain on the right side of my left chest, particularly noticeable when I pushed my hands forward. The pain is less noticeable when I pull my hands back, and sometimes I feel slight pain when I take a deep breath. ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are likely not related to a pulmonary disease, and your chest X-ray shows no abnormalities. It is recommended that you consult with a family medicine physician for further evaluation and management. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding a White Spot on Bone After Clear Lung X-Ray Results
The chest X-ray shows no issues with the lungs, but there is a white spot on the bone beneath the lung? Hello Doctor, today I went to the municipal hospital for an X-ray (since I have been diagnosed before). The report came out today, and my lungs are very healthy. However, the d...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ms. Dou: Lung adenocarcinoma would not present in this manner. If you are truly concerned, a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scan would suffice. The hospital should be able to handle this; Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding a White Spot on Bone After Clear Lung X-Ray Results
Understanding Nighttime Back Pain and Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
Nighttime deep breathing back pain? In recent days, I have been experiencing pain in a specific area of my upper left back at night. It feels better after resting, but it still hurts when I take deep breaths. At the same time, I also feel a bit of chest tightness. Recently, I...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are mostly non-specific, and it is currently not possible to clearly determine the underlying issue. If you continue to experience related symptoms, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Back Pain and Breathing Issues: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Next Steps After LDCT
Low-dose computed tomography reveals ground-glass lung nodules? Hello, doctor. I have been smoke-free for over six months now, after smoking for 10 years at a rate of one pack a day. In January of this year, I had a cough and underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Since I cannot view the original chest CT scan images, I am unable to provide appropriate recommendations. I suggest that you return to the hospital where the examination was conducted and discuss future treatment options with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Ground-Glass Nodules: Risks and Next Steps After LDCT
Understanding Chronic Cough and Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chronic cough and asthma that have been troubling for a long time? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing since mid-February of this year, and it has been over two months. My symptoms include an itchy throat and trachea, coughing, and a lot of phlegm (all white and transparent foam)....
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The treatment provided by your physician is appropriate, but there may still be other factors that are not well controlled, such as dietary aspects. Western medicine may not emphasize this as much, while traditional Chinese medicine will consider your constitution and prov...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cough and Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Persistent Cough and Fever: Understanding Lung Health Issues
Persistent cough that does not resolve? Hello, my mother is 53 years old and has been coughing for 4.5 months with clear phlegm. Over the past month, she has experienced recurrent fevers and severe shortness of breath when walking. She underwent X-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is currently difficult to determine the specific issue. I recommend discussing the relevant treatment matters with your mother's attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever: Understanding Lung Health Issues
Understanding Alectinib Dosage for Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment
Anlidipine dosage I have stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma with an ALK gene mutation. Initially, my doctor prescribed Alectinib, 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening (using the hospital's public medication). After two weeks, I returned for a follow-up, and the ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The initial recommended dosage of Anlistat is indeed 600 mg, taken twice daily. Perhaps your attending physician has other considerations. It is advisable to discuss your treatment situation with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Alectinib Dosage for Lung Adenocarcinoma Treatment
Understanding Chest Pain and Low Blood Oxygen After COVID-19 Vaccination
Chest pain, low blood oxygen levels? Hello, doctor! I was diagnosed with Covid-19 around June last year, but I did not have any significant chest pain symptoms at that time. However, after receiving the BNT vaccine in November, I began to experience occasional chest pain. After g...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms may be related to heart or lung issues. As for whether there is a connection to the vaccine, it would require further evaluation of relevant medical reports. I recommend that you first visit a cardiology or pulmonology clinic for as...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Low Blood Oxygen After COVID-19 Vaccination
Managing ALK-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma: Dosage and Symptoms Explained
Issues with medication for lung adenocarcinoma? Hello Doctor: I was recently diagnosed with stage 3B lung adenocarcinoma with an ALK gene mutation. I am currently undergoing treatment with Alectinib. Initially, while waiting for the health insurance approval for the medication, t...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: The initial recommended dosage of Anlisat is indeed 600 mg, taken in the morning and evening. Perhaps your attending physician has other considerations. It is advisable to discuss your treatment situation with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Managing ALK-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma: Dosage and Symptoms Explained
Exploring the Link Between Baking, Smoke Exposure, and Lung Cancer Risks
The relationship between the baking industry and lung cancer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. I know that Chinese cuisine chefs are exposed to cooking fumes daily, which increases the risk of lung cancer and other diseases (I only know about lung cancer; I am ...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Current evidence suggests that the oil smoke generated from cooking food may indeed increase the risk of lung cancer and could also lead to cardiovascular diseases over the long term. As for whether baking bread produces harmful substances, this is not within my area of ex...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Baking, Smoke Exposure, and Lung Cancer Risks
Managing Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer: Treatment Options and Support
Pain caused by lung cancer? After undergoing surgery for a thoracic tumor, my family member was diagnosed with lung cancer due to severe lower back pain a week later. They have been scheduled for treatment with a linear accelerator and targeted therapy. Due to the intense pain, t...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Clinical physicians take a comprehensive approach to patient treatment. It is still recommended that you communicate face-to-face with your attending physician to discuss the patient's condition and needs in order to arrange the most appropriate treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer: Treatment Options and Support
Feeling Choked After Drinking: Concerns About Lung Health
Choking on a drink? Hello, doctor. I just drank some juice that contained a transparent, gelatinous substance, and I accidentally inhaled it, feeling like there is a foreign object in my lungs. Afterward, I drank water but still don't feel like the foreign object was cleared...
Dr. Wang Lanfeng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is indeed possible that the discomfort is caused by choking; however, this does not necessarily mean that a foreign object has entered the trachea. Generally speaking, even if food enters the trachea, as long as the volume of the aspirated foo...[Read More] Feeling Choked After Drinking: Concerns About Lung Health
Chest Pain and Left Hand Tingling: Understanding Possible Causes
Simultaneous pain in the heart and the back of the left hand? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about occasional sharp pain in my heart and the back of my left hand (near the thumb joint) that occurs simultaneously. The location of the pain has not changed, and it lasts about 5-...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your age is not typically associated with a high risk of heart disease, and since you do not experience any symptoms during regular activities or exercise, heart disease can likely be ruled out. If the occasional tingling in your thumb joint is bothersome, you may consider...[Read More] Chest Pain and Left Hand Tingling: Understanding Possible Causes
How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?
How long does tuberculosis treatment last? Dear Doctor, My father was admitted to the hospital at the beginning of the month due to difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with tuberculosis after being transferred from the emergency room to the intensive care unit. He has been re...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Ryan: Generally, after two weeks of medication, the infectiousness is very low. Currently, there is no need for mandatory isolation in a negative pressure room if the patient's condition allows. A regular single room is sufficient. Caregivers and patients should wear ma...[Read More] How Long Does Tuberculosis Treatment Last and When Can Patients Leave Isolation?