$Unique_ID{BRK00894}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{"Calcification" Revealed by a Chest X-ray}
$Subject{tuberculosis x-ray calcification}
$Volume{A-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


"Calcification" Revealed by a Chest X-ray


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QUESTION:  On a recently completed physical examination a chest x-ray revealed
a "calcification".  My physician assured me that it was nothing to worry
about, and I believe him.  However I am now curious as to the meaning of this
finding.  Can you please help out?

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ANSWER:  Certainly, and with a compliment to you.  You have performed three
things in an admirable fashion.  You had a physical, believed your doctor, and
continued to seek information when there were questions that you decided
needed answers.  And your physician was correct, there is nothing for you to
be concerned about.  It is probable that sometime in your past medical
history, perhaps as a child or young man, you were exposed to tuberculosis and
became infected.  However your own body defenses were strong enough to conquer
this infection without additional assistance.  The small area of your lung in
which the infection occurred developed a "scar" or area of healing, which has
become impregnated with calcium salts over the years.  It was this
"calcification" that was seen on your chest x-ray.  Many people carry these
signs of victory over disease, and they are an indication that their bodies
carry an immunity to the disease, one which you can not be passed on to others
as it no longer exists in their systems.  Tuberculosis is still seen in the
United States today, mostly in older people or immigrants who have not been
adequately treated.  A vaccination exists to prevent tuberculosis, called BCG
(the bacillus of Calmette and Geurin, two Frenchmen who developed a special
strain of the bacteria in 1906 that is used to produce immunity without
disease). However this inoculation is rarely used today in the United States
because of the low incidence of the disease in our population.  Good
nutrition, and improved health standards are probably the reasons we no longer
see many clinical cases of tuberculosis.
ÿ
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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.
