Lung cavity

Lung cavity is a hollow space within the lung that is surrounded by abnormal lung tissue. It is often a sign of serious lung disease.

Causes

Lung cavities can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Infection: Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections can all lead to the formation of lung cavities. The most common infectious cause is tuberculosis.
• Cancer: Certain types of lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, can cause cavities to form.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis can cause lung cavities.
• Trauma: Injury to the lung can result in a cavity.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a lung cavity can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Cough: This may be chronic and may produce phlegm or blood.
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a lung cavity typically involves imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. These can show the location and size of the cavity. Further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the cavity, such as a sputum culture to check for infection or a biopsy to check for cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for a lung cavity depends on the underlying cause. This may involve:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medications for infections
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
• Surgery to remove the cavity

Prognosis

The prognosis for a lung cavity depends on the underlying cause. Infections can often be treated effectively with antibiotics, but cavities caused by cancer or autoimmune diseases may be more difficult to treat.

Lung cavity Resources
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