bilateral apical pleuroparenchumal scarring

after some chest pain, I obtained a chest x ray.  The results indicate bilateral apical pleuroparenchymal scarring.  I had a pulmonary function test which was totally normal. I am a 41 year old non smoking athletic type person. There is no pleural fluid or acute infiltrates.
What can cause this, is this cancer. I have a CT scan tomorrow and am terrified

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Pleuroparenchymal scarring could occur secondary to infections, inflammations, trauma etc related to the lower respiratory tract. In majority of cases it is due to benign causes and does not require further investigations unless there are specific symptoms or suspicious lesions coexist. It would be best to discuss the situation in detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!