What does "ground-glass opacity in the lungs" mean, and is it serious?
Sep 26, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the lung is a radiological finding characterized by hazy, cloud-like areas of increased density in the lung parenchyma on chest CT scans; these opacities may be solitary or multiple. When GGOs are detected, their clinical significance and severity should be comprehensively evaluated by integrating various factors, including the patient's blood parameters, inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin), tumor markers, sputum culture results, and clinical manifestations.
Ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the lung is a radiological finding characterized by hazy, increased density areas in the lung parenchyma visible on chest CT scans. These opacities may appear as single or multiple lesions. When GGOs are detected, their clinical significance and severity should be comprehensively evaluated based on the patient's inflammatory markers (such as blood counts, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin), tumor markers, sputum culture results, and clinical manifestations.
1. Not severe
If the lesion has indistinct margins and multiple inflammatory markers are elevated above normal levels, an inflammatory etiology is likely. After approximately one week of anti-infective treatment, a follow-up chest CT is recommended. If the lesion resolves or decreases in size, this indicates effective treatment and supports a diagnosis of inflammatory disease.
2. Severe
If the lesion expands during treatment and observation, malignancies such as lung cancer or other pulmonary tumors should be suspected. In such cases, patients should undergo tumor marker testing, repeated sputum cytology examinations, and, if necessary, biopsy via needle aspiration to determine the nature of the lesion.
Upon detection of pulmonary ground-glass opacities, patients are generally advised to promptly visit a professional and reputable medical institution for thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Early and active collaboration with physicians in implementing appropriate treatment plans is essential to avoid delays in management, prevent disease progression, reduce the risk of complications, and shorten the overall treatment course.
Patients should also pay attention to their daily diet, favoring light and easily digestible foods. It is beneficial to consume fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, while avoiding greasy, raw, cold, spicy, or irritating foods.
