Concerns Regarding CT Chest Scan Findings
Hello everyone, I’m a 30-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 87 kg. I maintain a healthy weight, have never smoked, and I don’t consume alcohol. Additionally, there’s no history of cancers in my family, and prior to the past four months, I had no significant medical issues. Recently, I've been grappling with various vague symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, and widespread joint discomfort for around four months. I’ve undergone several diagnostic tests and wanted to seek clarification about my CT chest scan results. Initially, I had a chest CT in March due to my difficulty with breathing, which came back normal. However, after experiencing chest pain and persistent shortness of breath last week, I had another CT scan that revealed: - No evidence of focal consolidation or pleural effusion. - No suspicious masses in the lungs. - A small nodule located at the outer edge of the right upper lobe measuring approximately 2mm is likely a focal scar or granuloma. Additionally, there is a similar tiny nodule in the right lower lobe also measuring 2mm, presumed to be a focal scar or granuloma. Several regions show fissural thickening or nodules in the left upper lobe reaching up to 2mm. - No signs of lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum or axillary regions. - The right 7th rib shows no abnormalities. - There is a kidney stone measuring 0.9cm located in the upper pole of the right kidney. A calcific granuloma at segment 6 of the liver measures 0.3cm. I was previously aware of the kidney stone, but the nodules and fissural thickening are new findings for me. I had a CT scan of my abdomen in April, which did not indicate any liver granulomas, and my March chest CT scan did not highlight any such issues either. While my general practitioner seems unconcerned, I find myself anxious regarding these findings, especially given my ongoing symptoms that show no sign of improvement. What steps would you suggest I take next?
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 1:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your CT scan findings, especially with ongoing symptoms like fatigue and breathing difficulties. Let’s break down your situation and find some actionable steps to alleviate your concerns.
Summary of Findings:
- Chest CT results: No major issues detected in the lungs, but a few small nodules and some thickening have been noted, likely benign.
- Kidney stone: Present, but not immediately causing concern.
- General health: You have a supportive lifestyle, which is a positive factor.
Explanation of Findings:
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Nodules and Fissural Thickening: The small nodules (2mm) in your lungs are likely benign (not cancerous), especially since they've been noted in past scans with little change. Granulomas are often a result of past infections or inflammation.
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Kidney Stone: A 0.9 cm kidney stone can cause discomfort, but many small stones don't require immediate intervention unless they're causing pain or blockage.
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Ongoing Symptoms: While the scan does not indicate severe issues, your symptoms of fatigue, difficulty breathing, and joint discomfort should still be addressed comprehensively.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms (when they occur, their intensity, triggers) over the next week. This information can help identify patterns or specific triggers you might have missed.
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Follow-Up with Your GP: While your GP seems unconcerned, it’s essential to voice your ongoing symptoms and concerns clearly. Ask if you can be referred to a specialist, such as a pulmonologist or rheumatologist, who can help further investigate your breathing difficulties and joint discomfort.
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Hydration and Diet: Maintain hydration, which can be beneficial if you have kidney stones. Also, consider a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in salt, which may help in managing kidney stone formation and overall health.
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Gentle Exercise: As tolerated, incorporate light physical activities such as walking or stretching. Exercise can help improve your breathing and overall well-being.
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Stress Management: Engage in stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which can assist in managing any anxiety related to your health concerns.
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Monitor for Changes: Be vigilant about any new or worsening symptoms, including severe pain, changes in breathing, or significant fatigue, which should prompt immediate evaluation.
Reassurance:
It's natural to feel worried, but most findings point toward benign issues. Nevertheless, reinforcing your concerns with your healthcare provider is crucial for peace of mind and addressing your symptoms effectively.
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