$Unique_ID{BRK02339}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Why Are Calcification Spots on Chest X-Rays Nothing to Worry About?}
$Subject{infection infections lung lungs x-rays x-ray film spot spots
calcification calcifications mycobacterium tuberculosis tb immune system
immunity chest}
$Volume{A-5,U-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Why Are Calcification Spots on Chest X-Rays Nothing to Worry About?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  During the course of an annual physical, a chest x-ray was reported
as having a "spot" on it.  The doctor told me that it was a "calcification"
and that meant it was nothing to worry about it, but nevertheless, it is still
causing me some concern.  Can you explain what it is and why the doctor didn't
seem concerned?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  A spot on the lung may have many interpretations, but when that spot
is diagnosed as a calcification it indicates something good rather than bad.
Your doctor is right, you really have nothing to worry about, and perhaps my
answer will explain why.  The chances are that many years ago, perhaps as a
child, you were exposed to tuberculosis.  But, as is the case in many of us,
your body defenses were strong enough to fight off the invading infection, and
you probably were never aware of the battle going on inside you.  However, a
small part of your lung tissue was affected, and was damaged by the infection.
Your own immune responses were sufficient to overcome the infection.  During
the long healing process which followed, this tissue was filled with calcium
salts, one of the body's healing mechanisms, and became visible to the probing
rays of the x-ray apparatus.  The calcification is a sign that you have great
body immunity against TB and will probably never contract the disease again.
Now I am basing my story upon the fact that your doctor recognized this.
There may be other reasons for calcifications, but they are not part of your
case.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.