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Non Extensive PTB

12/21/2011

Question:

An impression on my X-Ray Results shows non extensive PTB. What does it means?

Answer:

When a person has active tuberculosis (TB) disease of the lung, the TB disease can damage parts of the lung. Some of the abnormal areas caused by the infection can be described as infiltrates (areas of patchy haziness), nodules (small round densities), or cavities. If a person does not receive treatment for TB of the lung, the TB germs can spread in the same lung or to the other lung and cause more disease.

Radiologist and clinicians sometimes classify the amount of abnormal areas of lung as non-extensive, moderate, or extensive disease. Non-extensive disease involves smaller areas of the lung, usually less than one-third of the total lung area. Extensive disease usually involves larger areas and can include both lungs. Once a person has received treatment for TB, these abnormal areas usually improve or become stable (not get worse). Your CXR showed non-extensive disease, so not too much of your lung is abnormal. Since classifications can vary, you may want to ask your doctor to show you the abnormal areas on your CXR. Your doctor will want to follow your CXR with your treatment.

For more information:

Go to the Tuberculosis health topic.