Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does "crystalization In The Lung" Mean?
Question: i'm trying to find out what a crystalization in the lung (shows on xray) could mean. my primary care doctor said not to worry, but didn't tell me anything more. i just had a new xray because i have spine surgery next week and the spot (where my doctor said was a crystalization) looks to have tripled in size from the xray last year.
Brief Answer:
Possibly a granuloma, request further information
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing into us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Its important to know the size of the "crystallization" a year ago and presently. The size is usually in millimeters and described as pin head, pea sized or coin sized. There are protocols to follow up such shadows after 6 to 12 months by repeat imaging. Most crystallizations are harmless depositions of calcium and termed granulomas. X rays are two dimensional images and give limited information on size and location. Please remember that I am unaware of the present size and appearance (as its not been mentioned by you). I am sure your doctor has not found it significant enough to be a cause of concern.
The best way to evaluate any significant lung shadow which has grown three times over the last one year is by doing a CT scan chest and may be discussed with your doctor. This will give more detail on the abnormality. Further decision on doing a CT scan rests with your doctor as not all crystallizations are significant enough to be followed.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Possibly a granuloma, request further information
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing into us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Its important to know the size of the "crystallization" a year ago and presently. The size is usually in millimeters and described as pin head, pea sized or coin sized. There are protocols to follow up such shadows after 6 to 12 months by repeat imaging. Most crystallizations are harmless depositions of calcium and termed granulomas. X rays are two dimensional images and give limited information on size and location. Please remember that I am unaware of the present size and appearance (as its not been mentioned by you). I am sure your doctor has not found it significant enough to be a cause of concern.
The best way to evaluate any significant lung shadow which has grown three times over the last one year is by doing a CT scan chest and may be discussed with your doctor. This will give more detail on the abnormality. Further decision on doing a CT scan rests with your doctor as not all crystallizations are significant enough to be followed.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your fast reply.
It was originally no larger then the head of a pin. It's now the size of a nickel. It's in the lower section of the left lung.
I will discuss it further with my primary, thank you again so much.
It was originally no larger then the head of a pin. It's now the size of a nickel. It's in the lower section of the left lung.
I will discuss it further with my primary, thank you again so much.
Brief Answer:
Welcome, suggested spiral CT scan chest
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
After knowing that it was a pinhead earlier and is now a nickel, I strongly recommend that you discuss the matter in detail with your doctor and get a spiral CT scan chest (plain and contrast) done. This will show the area in detail and if you must be alarmed about further investigations.
Wishing you good health.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Welcome, suggested spiral CT scan chest
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
After knowing that it was a pinhead earlier and is now a nickel, I strongly recommend that you discuss the matter in detail with your doctor and get a spiral CT scan chest (plain and contrast) done. This will show the area in detail and if you must be alarmed about further investigations.
Wishing you good health.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
