Q. Do I need to get a lung biopsy to confirm bronchiectasis?
Answered by Dr. Amolkumar W Diwan and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
Hi doctor,
I have been referred to a pulmonologist based on the following CT scan report for chronic cough and fatigue. Mild cylindrical bronchiectasis to the lower lung fields with evidence of bronchial wall thickening and mild dilatation. Additionally, ill defined airspace opacities of the extreme right lower lobe most likely reflect infective changes. One small nodule is noted at the peripheral aspect of the left lung base. Mild interstitial thickening at the peripheral right lung base with less pronounced changes on the left. Multiple mildly enlarged glands of the middle mediastinum measure up to 11 mm and may be reactive. Slight prominence of the right hilum. Small anterior pericardial effusion of 6.44 mm. The liver appears enlarged, diffuse hypoattenuation and the liver parenchyma is consistent with fatty liver infiltration. I have also had Bell's palsy in the past. What would you say as the cause of these problems? Do I need lung biopsy?
Related Questions:
• Kindly tell me if there is any alternative to bronchoscopy to get tissue for testing cancer.
• Do I need to get a lung biopsy to confirm bronchiectasis?
• How to treat breathlessness in a metastatic breast cancer patient?
Dr. Amolkumar W Diwan
MBBS., MD PULMONARY MEDICINE., DNB
Allergy Specialist, Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- Your CT scan report is suggestive of cylindrical bronchiectasis with some infective foci.
- Usually, the diagnosis of bronchiectasis is made on the HRCT thorax (high-resolution computed tomography) and there is no need of any lung biopsy.
- Bronchiectasis is due to some old infection of the bronchi, which causes recurrent episodes of coughing phlegm and breathlessness on exertion. Usually, a biopsy is not advised for diagnosis.
- Pericardial effusion is the one that needs detailed investigations to find out the cause.
- Sputum culture will let us know the exact bacterium and accordingly antibiotics can be prescribed.
- Inhaler medicines are advised for dyspnea. Also, some chest physiotherapy exercises will help to expel the mucus out of your chest to relieve dyspnea.
For further information consult a pulmonologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/pulmonologist
Related Questions & Answers
Query: Hello doctor, I spit blood early in the morning after waking up. I consulted a dentist and then a chest specialist, who advised bronchoscopy and sputum tests. The reports were normal. But, nobody could find the cause for the blood in spit. It is happening from the past two years. Not regularly, but... Read Full »
Internal Medicine Physician
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The most common causes of early morning blood in the sputum are: Chest infection or tuberculosis. Cardiac issues like rheumatic heart disease. Reflux esophagitis. Now, if your chest has been evaluated and a clearance has been given by your doctor, then my recommendatio... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I have been taking cocaine once a week for 20 years and on the 1st of last month, I started getting a cough and breathless. It was getting worse when the cocaine wore off. Anyway, I had an ECG which was clear and a 24-hour tape also clear. CT scan on lungs clear. Then I had an ultraso... Read Full »
Cardiologist
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Firstly, cocaine has got a wide range of effects on the heart. So, hypokinesia means there is some damage to the heart which may be due to cocaine or may be due to coexistent coronary artery disease. So, you will need coronary angiography preferably, conventional and... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I have tuberculosis and have been taking medicines for three and half months. Now, I have a breathing problem and cough. Read Full »
Pulmonologist
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The breathlessness and cough are due to a broncho constriction that is associated with TB (tuberculosis). You can take the following tests: CBC (complete blood count). HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) thorax. Sputum for AFB (acid-fast bacillus) repeat. I sugg... Read Full »
Most Viewed
What is the best treatment for oily scalp and hair?
Hello doctor,I completed my acne treatment one year ago and my skin is clear after some period of time. My scalp and fac ...Read more »
How Is H.Pylori Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a bacteria that infects your stomach. Approximately 50% of the world's population has ...Read more »
Is it normal to have foamy urine?
Hello doctor, My urine is foamy. I am confused whether everyone will get bubble and foamy urine while urinating. Please ...Read more »