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Cavities on CT scan but no MAC in sputum cultures
Does anyone have a cavity (I have 2 small ones and 1 new one) and never tested positive for MAC? I've tested negative for fungus as well, only Haemophilous showed up earlier this year. I cough a lot, much mucus, even with the daily clearance of two 7% sessions & ACTs. My doctors at NJH have no answers and suggest a bronchoscopy. Since my cough and SOB are worsening, and with no other signs of an exasperation, I'm stumped.
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@jago Well, since you are seeing the best possible docs, are you considering their suggestion? Every person is different, and I sure would not like to second guess the experts.
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1 Reaction@sueinmn Yes, I'm fortunate to live near NJH and have them for my docs! Per their suggestion on a bronchoscopy, I'm scheduled for one in January. I'm just curious if anyone else has had a similar situation.
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2 Reactions@jago I personally don't have cavities, but I know that any infection that destroys lung tissue can cause them.
I had two cavities ( 1.8 *1.6cm cm in 2022 and another 0.8*0.6cm cm in 2023) but tested positive since 2023. I dont cough just feel fatigue. I took four antibiotics for 15 months.Culture turned negative at 7th month. The larger one stayed the same size all the time and never shrank/fill in until this month. However, they may come back when I stop medications. I am in NJH and will discuss it with Dr. Kasperbauer.
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3 Reactions@helen1000 Did you feel better on the antibiotics? My cavities are of a similar size.
I currently have two cavities. One is 1.4 x 0.9 cm and the other one is 9.5 x 7.1 mm. I’ve had them for two yrs, Two years ago they did a bronchoscopy and found I had Pseudomonas. Pulmonologist gives me a one week antibiotic when I have flareups…which involve me coughing up blood. This last year I’ve had at least three flareups and my recent CT scan said they grew just a little. The doctor wants me to provide sputum samples again ( which are hard for me) and wait 6 months to see if there’s any changes. If there is he wants to do another Bronchoscopy and a biopsy. I’m concerned it could be something worse.
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1 Reaction@jago Yes I feel better on the antibiotics. Right now I feel like normal. It gives me confidence that the cavities may shrink if you are on antibiotics for a while. So always keep hopes! 🙂
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2 Reactions@helen1000 Thanks for the encouragement! I’m glad you’re feeling better.
@maxraether Thanks for sharing your situation. I haven’t tested positive for pseudomonas yet, but it may show up in the bronchoscopy. I hope you do well at your next review.
@maxraether you may have a better chance to shrink the cavities as they are very small. Mine is bigger, once larger than 2cm.