spot on lung

I had a bad cough for a month, my dr sent me far an xray and they thought the spot was nipple shadow so I ad another one done. they called and are sending me for a ct scan. I am worried that this could be TB. If it was can they tell just by the xray, if so should I stay away from people. My wife works at a hospital and we are afraid she will lose her job if IT is positive.

[National Jewish]

You can't tell tuberculosis (TB) just from a chest x-ray or CT scan.  If they see an abnormality on the CT scan they likely will need to consider further tests.  If you have a bad cough, I would recommend that your doctor get a sputum sample from you 2 days in a row.  If these don't show TB germs when looked at under the microscope, you are likely not very contagious even if it turns out that you would have TB.

[peeper1968]

I forgot to mention that i am 35 and have smoked for years but I have wuit now. I also work on cranes. thanx

[AndyRRT]

The chances that this is TB is VERY-VERY slim. TB doesn't show up on a chest xray as a "spot". It actually shows up as a cavitating lesion. IF they suspect it, they will take a sample of sputum from you. Worst case senario, they would do a bronchoscopy. Although the cat scan can can also aid in diagnosis.

The suggestion for a CT scan was wise. Spots that show up on xrays are a bit concerning. Some end up being merely scar tissue from old lung infections. And others of course, are tumors. Some benign and some being that of cancer. Don't get ahead of yourself with my explanation. Just do the CT and take it from there. You are young and relatively healthy aside from the cough you have now. It was very wise of you to stop smoking. DO NOT START AGAIN!

As far as your wife fearing that she may lose her job....don't. If you did have TB, they would simply treat her with the same meds prophylactically.


Andy, RRT,CPFT

[peeper1968]

I had teh ct scan and they said it was old scar tissue. i have no intention of starting up again.