Patchy consolidation refers to any finding where the air space in the lungs is being filled by fluid (i.e. water or pus). Consolidation of the lungs can happen for many reasons, including pneumonia, heart failure and lung cancer.
Bronchopulmonary describes the combination of the lung and airways. Past damage or inflammation to the lung tissue/pleura can show up as scars and granulomas (“marble” of scarring). Old tissue damage is not a cancerous condition.
Pectus excavatum is when the chest wall is depressed (caved in); this is a congenital condition (from birth) that does not change much after puberty (when the bones have matured and hardened). Although the cause is unknown, it accounts for 90% of chest wall disorders. It is usually solely a cosmetic concern, but when it is clinically significant, it can cause decreased exercise tolerance or shortness of breath.
Pulmonary cysts are round, thin walled sacs of tissue found within the lung. These structures usually contain air but occasionally also contain fluid or solid material. A pulmonary cyst may be present at birth or form as the lungs age. Multiple cysts can be associated with cystic lung diseases and can cause respiratory symptoms (eg. chest pain, shortness of breath, cough).
Pleural effusion, sometimes referred to as “water on the lungs,” is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and act to lubricate and facilitate breathing. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleura
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly.
