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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Lung Opacity In Smoker, What Percentage Of These Opacities Are Problematic ?

My husband had a chest x-ray for an elective surgery. Days later they told us that he had 3 round/oval opacities in his left lung and should get a ct scan . He is 50 and has smoked since he was 16 years old. He has no symptoms at all of any problem and his oxygen and breathing were great after his surgery. The ct scan will be next week. What percentage of these opacities are problematic ? I am very nervous and would like to as much as possible before we go for his scan.
Mon, 22 Aug 2011
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Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases 's  Response
Hello
Welcome to healthcare magic.
There are many reasons of an opacity seen on xray.Right from being an artefact to a old healed tuberculosis lesion or calcification or fibrosis to lung disease or cancer..But even if he is absolutely asymptomatic you should go ahead and investigate it to relieve any doubts.Also his smoking is a risk factor for lung pathology .so dont worry but be vigilant.
Thanks
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Lung Opacity In Smoker, What Percentage Of These Opacities Are Problematic ?

Hello Welcome to healthcare magic. There are many reasons of an opacity seen on xray.Right from being an artefact to a old healed tuberculosis lesion or calcification or fibrosis to lung disease or cancer..But even if he is absolutely asymptomatic you should go ahead and investigate it to relieve any doubts.Also his smoking is a risk factor for lung pathology .so dont worry but be vigilant. Thanks