Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Lungs and Respiratory Disorders Forum

Causes of nodes and pleural effusion

Must Read
What is asthma?
Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans. But what happens during a respiratory asthma attack? Learn the basics about asthma now....
Read more >>
Asthma Causes and Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than other to be diagnosed with asthma. Learn if you are at risk of asthma in this section on risk factors and causes of asthma....
Read more >>
Asthma Symptoms
How can you identify the signs and symptoms of asthma or respiratory problems? We list the common asthma symptoms here and discuss asthma problems....
Read more >>
Conditions and Diseases
Common causes of nausea and vomiting
Causes of upper quadrant pain
Back pain causes ?
Lungs and Respiratory Disorders
Possible causes of chest pain
Rib cage lower left side pain causes
Pleurisy and its causes
Related Topics
Panic Attack causes ?
Causes of swelling in the scrotum
Causes of an elevated diaphragm
User Profile
April 30th, 2010
THank you in advance for helping me. Please note, that I have not been diagnosed with heart or lung condition. This is the question: Several months ago I had a CT scan that showed that I had a 4 mm nonspecific nodular and a small right pleural effusion. I insisted that my doctor did more testing on me. She had me take another x-ray. This time they did x-ray not CT scan. They said the x-ray shows that the nodular and the right pleural effusion were gone. I have a hard time believing my doctor. I asked my doctor how could the nosular and pleural effusion just disappear? She said sometimes it happens. I asked her how do I know it won't be back again on the next x-ray? Of course due to insurance limitations I cannot have another x-ray to see if the 4mm nonspecific nodular and small right pleural effusion is back. I do not know why I had them and why they are no longer there. Will you please tell me what is going on?

Thank you very much for your help.


Did you find this post helpful?
|
User Profile
replied May 4th, 2010
Lungs and Respiratory Disorders Answer A11702
Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad that I can help you.

You want to know the cause of the node and pleural effusion that you experienced.

A nodular mass in the lungs may suggest several medical conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, abscess, echinococcus cyst, tumor, etc. In diagnosis of tuberculosis three bacterial cultures from sputum should come back positive for tuberculosis. An abscess appears after lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Pleural effusion may appear as a result of inflammation of the pleura or when the pneumonia reaches the pleura and pus is released in the chest cavity. Transudate, which on an RTG may be also presented as a small collection of fluid in the basal areas of the chest cavity, may appear as a result of cardiac conditions such as chronic heart failure. Pleural effusions may contain pus (related to infections), blood (related to injuries of the blood vessels) or lymph as a result of injury of the thoracic duct. Any kind of collection of fluid in the thoracic or abdominal cavity should be examined with a previous thoracentesis.

Given the data that you described, you may or may not be experiencing any medical condition. Have an ultrasound exam of the thoracic cavity and if greater amounts of fluid are found, thoracentesis should be performed. You may also consider having the diagnostic test for tuberculosis to rule out this condition.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment options for your current condition.


|
Did you find this post helpful?
Comments (1)
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Sign up for FREE weekly health tips!
... Saving
Ask a doctor

eHealthPedia Articles
Asthma Causes and Risk Factors
Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma Treatment
What is asthma?
Helpful Users This Week
HF1909
HF1909
1 helpful posts
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Lungs and Respiratory Disorders , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.