Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Scarring On Lungs On Chest X-ray?
Hi, I am starting my medical residency at a hospital in the US. I had a positive TB skin test after which I had to undergo an x-ray. The x-ray shows some scarring on my lungs, which the doctor suggested could be TB. They have given me three months after which I have to reappear for another x-ray to be done to confirm if the scarring has grown. Do you think that I have TB or could the scarring be because of something else. I am completely healthy and have no symptoms you would associate with TB.
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Thanks for your question on HCM. At present I don't think you are having TB. Scarring in lungs can be seen in
1. Old TB
2. Old Pneumonia
3. Old blunt chest trauma.
Practically any insult in the lung once healed produce scarring either in the form of fibrosis or calcification.
So scarring does not mean that you are having active TB. I advice you to consult pulmonologist and get done CT Thorax and bronchoscopy with BAL analysis for TB. If any of the above is suggestive of TB than you may need treatment.
1. Old TB
2. Old Pneumonia
3. Old blunt chest trauma.
Practically any insult in the lung once healed produce scarring either in the form of fibrosis or calcification.
So scarring does not mean that you are having active TB. I advice you to consult pulmonologist and get done CT Thorax and bronchoscopy with BAL analysis for TB. If any of the above is suggestive of TB than you may need treatment.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Tuberculosis
Loading Online Doctors....