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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is X Ray Showing Cavitary PTB Conclusive?

Hi,I was dignosed of suspicious right upper lobe density last june of 2015..Then,the next xray was right upper lobe ptb but the results of my sputum laboratories was negative..After 6 mos.this Feb. 2016,the next xray results Ive diagnosed of having cavitary ptb..I had request of sputum gene expert but the results was not detectable..My question,,Do I have Cavitary Ptb?
posted on Tue, 3 May 2016
Twitter Thu, 9 Jun 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Thanks for asking at Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern.
Lung cavitation is not only due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Besides Pulmonary tuberculosis it is due to abcess, pneumatocele, fungal infection, bronchogenica carcinoma etc.
If it's due to pulmonary tuberculosis and Sputum gene Xpert is negative and you have symptoms like chronic productive cough, low grade fever, hemoptysis and weight loss then start treatment and send sputum for culture and sensitivity test.
Culture and sensitivity test will resolve the issue but it takes 6 weeks, so take treatment before report came.
Also do CT thorax to look for other pathologies.
Hope it helps best.
Don't forget to rate this answer and close the discussion at Healthcare Magic.
Take your best care.
Regards
Dr Ejaz
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Is X Ray Showing Cavitary PTB Conclusive?

Thanks for asking at Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern. Lung cavitation is not only due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Besides Pulmonary tuberculosis it is due to abcess, pneumatocele, fungal infection, bronchogenica carcinoma etc. If it s due to pulmonary tuberculosis and Sputum gene Xpert is negative and you have symptoms like chronic productive cough, low grade fever, hemoptysis and weight loss then start treatment and send sputum for culture and sensitivity test. Culture and sensitivity test will resolve the issue but it takes 6 weeks, so take treatment before report came. Also do CT thorax to look for other pathologies. Hope it helps best. Don t forget to rate this answer and close the discussion at Healthcare Magic. Take your best care. Regards Dr Ejaz