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Lung abscess is a type of liquefactive necrosis of the lung tissue and formation of cavities (more than 2 cm) [1] containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection. This pus -filled cavity is often caused by aspiration, which may occur during anesthesia, sedation, or unconsciousness from injury.
Gallium 67 scans are also useful in the diagnosis. They are abnormal in about 90% of cases and are often positive before the chest X-ray becomes abnormal. Chest X-ray typically shows widespread pulmonary infiltrates. CT scan may show pulmonary cysts (not to be confused with the cyst-forms of the pathogen). [citation needed]
This particular variant of lung cancer is usually asymptomatic and is found after chest x-rays are taken for other reasons. [7] Hemoptysis is seen occasionally [7] and, in some cases, distal obstruction of bronchi by blood clots or mucus plugs produces cough and/or infection. [1] Lesions often enlarge and progress slowly, over many years. [8]
Clinicians should have a high level of suspicion for lung cancer, especially in patients with a smoking history. Patients with recurring or unresolving lung infections (e.g. bronchitis and pneumonia) that are unresponsive to antibiotics should also be further evaluated for lung cancer.
For most infections, the immune response of the body is enough to control and apprehend the infection within a couple days, but if the tissue and the cells can't fight off the infection, the creation of pus will begin to form in the lungs which then hardens into lung abscess or suppurative pneumonitis. [6]
Both chemotherapy (drugs to treat cancer) and radiofrequency ablation (destroying cancer with radio waves) can cause lung cancers to develop cavities, which is a sign of a good response to treatment. [2] It is possible to have both an infection and lung cancer in the same cavity; the most common combination is primary lung cancer and ...
They may be part of the aging changes of the lungs, and cause a slight decrease in their diffusing capacity. [5] The presence of multiple pulmonary cysts may indicate a need to evaluate the possibility of bullous or cystic lung diseases. [5] Cavitation indicates workup for serious infection or lung cancer.
Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. The inset image shows a cross-section of a healthy lung. Figure B shows a view of the lungs with LAM and a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The inset image shows a cross-section of a lung with LAM. Specialty: Pulmonology