What can be mistaken for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Due to overlapping symptoms, several conditions can be mistaken for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Some conditions that can present similar symptoms to TOS include: 1. Cervical radiculopathy: This condition occurs due to compression or irritation of the nerves in the neck, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. The symptoms […]
Understanding symptoms of Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lungs)
Youโre just sitting there, minding your own business, when WHAM โ feels like Mike Tysonโs punched you in the ribs. Canโt breathe properly. Heartโs going like the clappers. Welcome to pneumothorax โ your lungโs decided to pack it in without notice. Iโve been treating chest problems for fifteen years now, and I still remember my […]
Severe chest infection or chest empyema
What is chest empyema? A Severe chest infection or chest empyema is a medical condition in which pus or infected fluid accumulates in the space between the lung and the chest wall, known as the pleural space. This often results from a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, or a lung injury, such as a ruptured […]
Lung cancer treatment by stage explained
How is lung cancer treated according to the stage? The Lung cancer treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. For early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common treatment is surgery to remove the affected part of the lung. Other treatments for early-stage NSCLC may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. For advanced-stage NSCLC, treatment […]
What is hyperhidrosis?
What is hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. This sweating can occur in specific areas of the body, such as the palms, soles of the feet, underarms, or face and head. Hyperhidrosis can be a socially embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, and in some […]
Long-Term Effects of Broken Ribs
Understanding Rib Fractures and Chest Wall Traumas What Are Rib Fractures? A rib fracture is a break or crack in one of the rib bones, which are part of the rib cage that protects vital organs like the heart and lungs. While ribs are designed to be flexible to withstand pressure, they can still fracture […]
Costochondritis Symptoms: Understanding the Condition and Its Causes
That sharp chest pain that suddenly grips you can be absolutely terrifying. Your mind immediately races to the worst-case scenario โ could this be a heart attack? If youโre experiencing costochondritis symptoms, I completely understand that fear. As a thoracic surgeon whoโs spent years helping patients navigate chest pain concerns, I see this worry every […]
What is a Thymoma?
What is a Thymoma? A thymoma is a rare tumor that develops in the thymus gland, which is located in the chest behind the breastbone. The thymus gland is an important part of the immune system and is responsible for producing T-cells, which help to fight infection and disease. Thymomas typically grow slowly and are […]
How to prevent lung cancer?
There are several ways to prevent lung cancer, including: 1. Stop smoking: Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer. 2. Avoid second-hand smoke: Second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoking, can increase your risk of lung cancer. 3. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals: Exposure to radon, asbestos, […]
Pneumothorax causes, complications and management
What are the Pneumothorax causes? Pneumothorax is commonly caused by a puncture or tear in the lung tissue, usually due to chest trauma. Other causes might include medical procedures, such as thoracentesis (removal of excess fluid from the pleural cavity) or mechanical ventilation. Some underlying medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic […]
