•   (972) 739-2840
    •  menu trigger  menu trigger
    4-symptoms-of-lung-cancer-that-you-should-be-aware-of.jpg
    john duncan
    10/Feb/2025
    CT ScanLung Scan

    4 symptoms of lung cancer that you should be aware offfgg

    Lung cancer ranks among the top cancer-causing deaths worldwide and is usually discovered only at an advanced stage. Detection at an early stage will improve survival rates, but such signs are often overlooked. Many of these symptoms should be recognized, and people should seek immediate medical evaluation, including a CT scan where possible, to make a big difference in outcomes.

    Is a Persistent Cough a Painless Sign of Lung Cancer?

    A persistent cough that haunts you for more than eight weeks is indeed an early indicator of lung cancer. Occasional coughing is not unusual, but a persistent cough that gets worse over time, coughs up blood, or turns phlegm-colored should not be ignored. If a cough doesn’t respond to usual treatments, it is a good idea to have a CT scan or, more specifically, a lung scan to find out what is causing it.

    Why Does Shortness of Breath Occur in Lung Cancer Patients?

    Dyspnea occurs when lung tumors block airways or fill the lungs with fluid. Gradually, this symptom may develop, and it may become apparent during physical activity. However, as it progresses, even basic tasks such as climbing the stairs or taking short walks can be very difficult. Seeking medical attention and having a lung scan to diagnose lung conditions can help if breathing difficulties persist.

    Is Unexplained Weight Loss Related to Lung Cancer?

    Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of several cancers, including lung cancer. The spread of such cells to other parts of the body, when they create a different metabolism in the body, can cause rapid weight loss with no diet change. In addition to unintended weight loss, patients may have poor appetite or are extremely fatigued. A CT scan ought to be done if anyone has unexplained significant weight loss (more than 10 percent of body weight) within 6 months.

    What Role Does Chest Pain Play in Lung Cancer Diagnosis?

    Other alarming symptoms include chest pain. Tumor growth in lung cancer patients can cause chest pain if it presses on the chest wall, nerves, or ribs. It can be a persistent pain, or it can be intermittent and get more painful with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. A person’s doctor can order a CT scan to rule out any problems if they have unexplained chest discomfort, together with other symptoms such as coughing or breathlessness.

    Conclusion

    The early warning signs of lung cancer (which, as you know, include persistent cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain), if recognized, will increase your chances of early disease diagnosis and success of treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor, who can decide which tests you need. Separately, adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, and who have no symptoms, may be eligible for annual low-dose CT screening, which ViaScan of Las Colinas provides. [1]

    References:

    [1] U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Lung Cancer: Screening (Final Recommendation, 2021).
    https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening

    CONTINUE READING
    How-Long-Does-an-Angiogram-Take-1.jpg
    john duncan
    20/Jan/2025
    CT AngiogramCT Scan

    How Long Does an Angiogram Takeffgg

    The best way to avoid stress and be fully empowered for a life-changing decision like an angiogram is to know all about angiograms. It’s important to know more about how long it will take, what to expect, and why this procedure is required if you are planning a coronary angiogram or a CT coronary angiogram. This blog should give you an idea of how long angiograms will take, why angiograms are done, and anything you need to know about angiograms to prepare for this important step in managing your cardiovascular health.

    What Is an Angiogram?

    An angiogram is an invasive procedure in which your doctor takes pictures of your blood vessels to determine whether there is any blockage or other problems. A coronary angiogram is even specific to the arteries that feed the heart close and investigates blockages, constriction, or other occurrences that may cause heart difficulties. It is a technique whereby a contrast dye is administered through the bloodstream, and an X-ray picture is taken of the blood vessel. A CT coronary angiogram is quite a non-invasive procedure that uses CT scans to generate images of the arteries. Both techniques are informative in assessing cardiovascular health, but they use entirely different approaches and different periods. Baker et al. (2020) discovered that both conventional and CTCA offer valuable information to manage cardiovascular diseases. The differences can be a degree of invasiveness and the time it takes for execution.

    What is the Duration of the Procedure?

    The duration of an angiogram also varies depending on the type of angiogram or the trickiness of the process. Literature shows that a commonplace coronary angiogram should take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, in the case of other interventional procedures like angioplasty or stent implantation, the intervention process may be longer. On the other hand, the CT coronary angiogram, which does not involve any invasive procedures, comes to about 15 to 30 minutes of preparation plus imaging time. Other time variables may bring the total duration to about two hours, including the time that may be spent preparing; for instance, inserting an IV line and going through the patient’s history may take half an hour to one hour. Recovery is another factor with regular angiography since you may have to be admitted and possibly admitted for several hours or overnight for close monitoring. The frequency, timing, and outcomes of this condition vary by individual and clinical circumstances. Avoid a numerical estimate or timeline unless it is supported by a current, directly relevant medical source; discuss personal risk with a qualified healthcare professional.

    Which Factors Should Be Expected During This Procedure?

    A coronary angiogram is usually done while you are awake, with local anaesthetic and often a mild sedative. A catheter is to be threaded through an artery in your groin or your wrist to the blood vessels supplying the heart. They will use contrast dye and make X-ray pictures to determine the flow of blood. During a CT coronary angiogram, you will have to lie down on a table that then moves into the CT scan area.

    Contrast dye is injected through an IV line in your arm, and cross-sectional images of your coronary arteries in less than 5 minutes. A CT coronary angiogram is non-invasive apart from the IV line, whereas a catheter angiogram is an invasive procedure, but you may experience a very small amount of discomfort when the contrast dye is administered.

    What are the advantages and dangers of an Angiogram?

    As for the advantages of an angiogram, the diagnostics include the identification of blockage or narrowing in arteries, the early identification of the conditions that may potentially cause heart attacks or strokes, and the direction to other treatments such as angioplasty or surgery. However, as with all kinds of surgical interventions, there are potential complications, including the possibility of an allergic reaction to the dye used during the procedure, blood loss from the site where the catheter was inserted, or, in a few instances, heart problems. Your healthcare provider will explain such risks to you and ensure that you are fully aware of them before the procedure.

    Conclusion

    The time taken for an angiogram varies with the kind of angiogram. In this case, the CT coronary angiogram takes about 15 minutes, while the traditional coronary angiogram may take an hour or more. Two techniques are valuable to understanding the heart status and assist in organizing its therapy. Your doctor will advise which test you need.

    CONTINUE READING