Answer:

Lung calcifications are small, dense spots formed by hardened bits of calcium in lung tissue. They are often seen on chest X-rays or CT scans. Most lung calcifications are not dangerous and are benign indicators of healed infections like tuberculosis or fungal infections, or they may result from occupational exposure to mineral dust. These calcifications often cause no symptoms, do not grow, and are discovered incidentally through imaging.

In some patients, however, lung calcifications can be a sign of serious conditions, including cancerous tumors with calcification, or rare diseases like amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, Goodpasture's syndrome, advanced occupational lung disease (severe silicosis), and long-term metabolic disorders, especially in people with chronic kidney disease.

Doctor Ngan consults with a patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Lung calcifications may be accompanied by symptoms such as a persistent dry cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, especially during exertion, or recurrent pneumonia. Other symptoms may include dull or intermittent chest pain, fatigue, a prolonged low-grade fever, unexplained weight loss, anemia, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure, depending on the underlying condition causing the calcifications. Therefore, if you experience coughing up blood, prolonged chest pain, increasing shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or have a history of cancer, you should seek medical attention promptly.

If lung calcifications are discovered, a thorough evaluation by a respiratory specialist or radiologist is essential to determine the cause. Proactive screening and regular check-ups can help detect abnormalities early and prevent overlooking malignant lesions.

MSc, Doctor Nguyen Van Ngan

Department of Respiratory Medicine

Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi