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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does ""indeterminate Density In Upper Chest" Indicate?

I recently had a routine chest xray that showed "indeterminate density in upper chest (right lung base)" I have smoked in the past, but never a heavy smoker. I have no symptoms. The xray was part of a normal physical. I am 48 years old and female.
No lung cancer in the family, although Dad had prostrate cancer at 55 (he is 85 now) and Mom died of breat cancer at 79.
Doctor order a CT scan with contrast. I have to get blood work for contrast, and then the CT scan.
What are the chances of cancer? What could be other causes of the density?
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Upper lobe indeterminate opacities can be due to following causes.
1. Tuberculosis (fresh lesions)
2. Old healed scar
3. Pneumonia
4. Sarcoidosis
5. Lung cancer
Since you were smoker, possibility of infection and lung cancer is high.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. CT thorax
2. Bronchoscopy and BAL ( Bronchoalveolar lavage ) analysis.
Treatment of these diseases are different, so better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment.
So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these possible causes.
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What Does ""indeterminate Density In Upper Chest" Indicate?

Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Upper lobe indeterminate opacities can be due to following causes. 1. Tuberculosis (fresh lesions) 2. Old healed scar 3. Pneumonia 4. Sarcoidosis 5. Lung cancer Since you were smoker, possibility of infection and lung cancer is high. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. CT thorax 2. Bronchoscopy and BAL ( Bronchoalveolar lavage ) analysis. Treatment of these diseases are different, so better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these possible causes.