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What Does This Chest X-ray Report Indicate?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: Had bacterial pnemumonia 2003.-Acinic Cell Carcinoma of parotid in 2006. Follw up chest x-ray shows calcified scarring in upper right lobe. Doc says could be old scars from the pneumonia but wants to be sure. Doc wants CT scan of chest. Quite nervous
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
normally a nodule, well circumscribed

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned,as your doctor states scarring of the lung can occur as a result of infection , this is quite common but because of your medical history, other causes would need to be ruled out.

Metastasis of tumors to the lungs more commonly appear as nodules, usually well circumscribed (clear, well rounded) and there may also be an impression of increased blood supply to the area, feeding the tumor.


If the area on the x ray is not well circumscribed,and there is no obvious impression of a vascular feed, it is possible that as your doctor stated it is due to your previous infection.

The CT scan would give a clear picture of the area.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 minutes later)
I read online calcified scars are normally benign and my doctor told me not to worry, but it is hard not to. He said the scarring made it difficult for the radiologist to see in that area. Since I had the carcinoma, I have had biannual x-rays. Although I have had these scars a long time, how could they calcify in two years?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
this can occur

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes, calcification can occur in a 2 yr span for some persons so that is not unusual.

If the scarring was previous seen on previous x rays, this also makes it less likely that it is due to spread of cancer.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does This Chest X-ray Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: normally a nodule, well circumscribed Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned,as your doctor states scarring of the lung can occur as a result of infection , this is quite common but because of your medical history, other causes would need to be ruled out. Metastasis of tumors to the lungs more commonly appear as nodules, usually well circumscribed (clear, well rounded) and there may also be an impression of increased blood supply to the area, feeding the tumor. If the area on the x ray is not well circumscribed,and there is no obvious impression of a vascular feed, it is possible that as your doctor stated it is due to your previous infection. The CT scan would give a clear picture of the area. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions