Scarring on the lung
October 2, 2014 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch
Dear Sir or Madam,
I visited a pulmonologist today and received a referral to a radiologist for a CT scan.
In the field for diagnosis/suspected diagnosis, the following is written:
"Prominent left hilum + scar changes"
The doctor told me that these scars are likely from smoking (I quit 1 1/2 years ago).
Is this scarring indicative of lung fibrosis? If not, will these scars spread even though I no longer smoke?
Additionally, my lungs were x-rayed in September 2013 at the hospital. At that time, I was told everything was fine. Is it possible for the lungs to scar even though I was already a non-smoker at that time?
Thank you for your efforts.
Patrick
Dear questioner, unfortunately you did not mention your age, how long you have been smoking, and why your lungs were x-rayed.
The term "scar changes" in the lungs is a very vague term, a past severe infection can leave such changes. Lung fibrosis would show this throughout the lungs and not just in one place, one would only expect such changes if you worked as a miner or with asbestos.
Changes in the airways caused by smoking can take up to 10 years to regress, and only then does the statistical risk of getting lung cancer decrease to that of a non-smoker.
I would discuss the result with a lung specialist, he will tell you if he wants further diagnostic tests. To me, it sounds harmless at first glance just looking at the findings.
Do you have any questions? Regards, C. Welsch
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