Help please

ttsqky
ttsqky Member Posts: 9
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Can someone please tell me what all this means my dad has stage 3 esophageal cancer and is in the hospital now because of pain and his feeding tube fell out then he started checking and his o2 kept dropping he is on 4 liters of o2 now.
EXAM: TWO-VIEW CHEST X-RAY, 10/01/2018 REASON FOR PROCEDURE: 63-year-old outpatient male, presents for evaluation of low oxygen saturations and shortness of breath. The patient has a history of esophageal carcinoma and a feeding tube. FINDINGS: Two views of the chest demonstrate a normal-sized heart. There is prominence of the hilum bilaterally. There are atherosclerotic calcifications in the aorta. Severe emphysematous changes are noted in all lobes with fibrosis in the bases. No alveolar consolidated opacities are noted to suggest pneumonias. Degenerative changes are seen in the spine. IMPRESSION: 1. Severe emphysematous changes with no focal pneumonias. 2. Atherosclerosis. I would recommend a CT of the chest be considered for further evaluation of possible hilar pathology.

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #2
    It sounds like emphysema with concerns about the lung hilum

    I am certainly not medically qualified to interpret radiology findings, but it is important to note that the radiologist who does interpret you Dads’ x-rays will note any abnormality, no matter how insignificant it is. Your Dad’s oncologist would then sort which findings are significant from those that are typical for a 63-year-old male. For instance, it would not be highly unusual for a 63-year-old male to have some indications of atherosclerotic calcifications in the aorta.

    It appears the significant findings here, other than an history of esophageal cancer, are your Dad’s emphysema and there is a prominence or thickening of the hilum of the lung, (the area where structures associated with the lung enter and exit). They are suggesting a CT scan to provide a more three-dimensional view of that area to investigate the reason for that abnormality. But it is not necessarily a cause for great concern. I assume you were aware of your Dad’s emphysema which could certainly account for low blood oxygen levels; so it sounds like the CT scan may just be a further medical precaution.

    It sounds like the hospital is the right place for him right now until they get some questions sorted out.

    I hope he will be feeling better soon.    

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Eight Year Survivor

  • ttsqky
    ttsqky Member Posts: 9
    #3
    Thank you he hd his ct done

    Thank you he hd his ct done last night so waiting on results he has had another one a few days ago that has me worried to but I guess it's a wait and see thing.

    FINDINGS: The lower lung fields are clear of pneumonias or pleural effusions. There are multiple calcific densities in the spleen consistent with old granulomatous disease. There are clips in the gallbladder fossa from a previous cholecystectomy. There is a suggestion of a mass lesion arising from the patient's left kidney lower polar region. I would recommend an ultrasound of the kidneys or an MRI for further evaluation. There are postoperative changes noted in the lumbar spine at L4, L5 and S1. Degenerative changes are seen in the spine. Atherosclerotic calcifications are noted in the aorta but with no signs of aneurysmal dilatation. There are no dilated loops of bowel to suggest obstruction. Coronary artery calcifications are noted. There are no signs of a pericardial effusion. PROCEDURE: Multi-slice helical images were obtained through the pelvis without contrast. FINDINGS: There are no signs of stones in either distal ureter or in the bladder. There are severe degenerative and postoperative changes of the pelvis. Extensive vascular calcifications are seen in the pelvis. The aorta is tortuous but with no signs of aneurysmal dilatation. Extensive vascular calcifications are seen in the aorta. IMPRESSION: 1. Atherosclerosis and postoperative changes of the spine. 2. Questionable left renal mass. I would recommend an ultrasound or contrast enhanced CT. 3. Old granulomatous disease. Final Report, 

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