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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Double Pneumonia

I spent 5 days in the hospital with double pneumonia. When they did a chest xray, it showed a mass on my lungs. I had a repeat x ray done last tuesday, the doctor called me today to tell me the xray showed no mass, but radiologist recommendca ct scan?? I do have COPD and emphysema, so why the Ct scan? What are they looking for? It worries me.
Tue, 21 Apr 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
COPD and emphysema are risk factors for pneumonia and lung cancer.
Chest x ray is primary screening test to rule out both these conditions.
Since your primary chest x ray was suggestive of pneumonia, it is always better to confirm this by doing follow up chest x ray in case of COPD.
CT thorax is much more informative then chest x ray to rule out lung cancer and confirm pneumonia.
So better to get done CT thorax on follow up to rule out lung cancer.
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Suggest Treatment For Double Pneumonia

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. COPD and emphysema are risk factors for pneumonia and lung cancer. Chest x ray is primary screening test to rule out both these conditions. Since your primary chest x ray was suggestive of pneumonia, it is always better to confirm this by doing follow up chest x ray in case of COPD. CT thorax is much more informative then chest x ray to rule out lung cancer and confirm pneumonia. So better to get done CT thorax on follow up to rule out lung cancer.