Common questions

What are lung Apices?

What are lung Apices?

The apical zone (a.k.a. lung apex) is one of the four chest radiograph zones and an important location for missed diagnoses when reporting a frontal chest radiograph and makes up one of the “review areas”. It is sometimes thought of as a subdivision of the upper zone.

Where is the apical region of the lung?

The apex of the lung (apex pulmonis) is that part of the lung extending above the level of the first rib.

What causes apical lung scarring?

There are a number of known causes of pulmonary fibrosis as well as unknown causes, called idiopathic. Exposure to toxins like asbestos, or coal dust or silica (including workers in the coal mining and sandblasting industry) can lead to pulmonary fibrosis.

What is apical pleura?

Apical pleural cap refers to a curved density at the lung apex seen on chest radiographs.

Does pneumonia cause scarring in your lungs?

Amazingly, even with severe pneumonia, the lung usually recovers and has no lasting damage, although occasionally there might be some scarring of the lung (rarely leading to bronchiectasis) or lung surface (the pleura).

Is scarring of the lung serious?

Is scarring of the lungs serious? Small areas of lung scarring typically aren’t serious. They shouldn’t affect your quality of life or life expectancy. That said, widespread and expanding scars on the lung may indicate an underlying health condition.

Is lung scarring always progressive?

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease that naturally gets worse over time. This worsening is related to the amount of fibrosis (scarring) in the lungs. As this occurs, a person’s breathing becomes more difficult, eventually resulting in shortness of breath, even at rest.

Can pleurisy cause scarring of the lungs?

Pleurisy can go away on its own or worsen so that pleural fluid has to be drained from around the lungs. Some people develop scar tissue called adhesions after they have pleurisy. They then have chronic pain or shortness of breath.

What does clear lung apices mean?

it is done to specifically look for diseases affecting lung apices like tuberculosis, and other respiratory disorders. since the lung apices are clear in your case ,it means no significant pathology involving lung apices .

What is mild scarring of the lung apices?

Apical scarring on organs like the heart or lungs may cause a constriction , causing you to lose some vital function of that organ 1 ⭐ . Some scars may become malignant, cause pain and require removal through surgery. . Surgeons have specific procedures for removal of scars on the heart, lungs and other internal organs.

What is the treatment for apical lung nodule?

Treatment for lung nodules may range from a “watchful waiting” approach for benign nodules, to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for malignant nodules. If the nodule is benign, your physician will monitor the nodule periodically with CT scans, to determine if any changes in size or shape have occurred.

What causes scarring of the lungs?

Scar tissue on the lungs can be caused by toxins and pollutants, infections, radiation and drugs. Examples of lung scaring toxins include: metal dust, animal droppings, chlorine fumes, asbestos fibers, mold and more. Infections like pneumonia inflame the lungs and cause a great deal of scar tissue.

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