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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of A Lung Opacity?

I have had 2 chest X-rays in the last 3 days there seems to be an ill defined alveolar opacity in the right upper zone measuring 3cm. Looks like a wedge, I am worried because I am a thyroid cancer survivor and am aware that rai puts me t higher risk of other cancers. Why does this result mean?
Fri, 3 Jul 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are thyroid cancer survivor, possibility of lung metastasis is there.
Cancer patients are immunocompromised. So opportunistic infections are common. And lung is most common organ for such infection. And upper lobe lesions are common in tuberculosis.
So tuberculosis should also be ruled out.
In my opinion, you should consult pulmonologist and get done
1. CT thorax. It is much more superior than chest x ray in diagnosis of metastatic lung nodule.
2. Sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli-bacteria causing tuberculosis).
3. Bronchoscopic evaluation for confirmation of cancer and infection.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Is The Cause Of A Lung Opacity?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Since you are thyroid cancer survivor, possibility of lung metastasis is there. Cancer patients are immunocompromised. So opportunistic infections are common. And lung is most common organ for such infection. And upper lobe lesions are common in tuberculosis. So tuberculosis should also be ruled out. In my opinion, you should consult pulmonologist and get done 1. CT thorax. It is much more superior than chest x ray in diagnosis of metastatic lung nodule. 2. Sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli-bacteria causing tuberculosis). 3. Bronchoscopic evaluation for confirmation of cancer and infection. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.