White Spots on Lungs?

[yolandalee]

I did a chest x-ray and the doctor found white spots on my lungs. There weren't many spots, probably 2-3? The doctor checked for any lymph nodes swelling (negative) and my breathing and she said that my breathing is normal.

She also added that the white spots seem to have been there for a long time. She said it could be tuberculosis that I had a long time ago (without me knowing), however, my body managed to recover on its own.

The doctor didn't prescribe me with any medication and I was told to come back 6 months after to check for any changes with the spot.

and my sister just told me that if my x-ray was to show spots, I can't apply for university in Australia or any universities basically. I'm worried that I can't.

My questions are:

1) Do I have Tuberculosis?
2) Are there ways that I can help my lungs clear the spot?


I really appreciate all the help.

[radiology]

An important criteria for benign calcified granulomas is that they have not changed in size over a period of time. If you can show documentation to this effect to the universities that would be acceptable.

Dr Al.

[radiology]

The spots are likely healed calcified granulomas, ie, healed foci of past infection, usually fungal or TB. They do not represent active infection (especially since you are not having any current symptoms I presume). Granulomas are exceedingly common. I see them daily on xrays. To answer your qs.

1. You do not have active TB! There is a small chance you have have had TB in the past. It is more likely if you live or have lived in a 3rd world country. Having a PPD test done will tell you for sure if you have had a past TB infection.

2. Nope. They will stay there. They are inconsequential and insignificant. They are not causing you any harm. They may possibly become smaller after several years by themselves.

Dr Al.