ive been smoking since the age of 12. I am currently 28, however, I didnt start smoking heavily until I was around 18-19. I recently quit and it has been almost 3 weeks. What are my chances of getting lung cancer. I am worried because I saw a chest x-ray and I saw white patches, but the nurse said they were nicotine deposits. Im confused. Can one be mistaken for another?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. White patches on chest x-ray should be evaluated for lung masses (cancer). Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. You smoked for almost 16 years. This duration is sufficient to produce lung cancer. So in my opinion, you should definitely consult pulmonologist and get done CT thorax. CT thorax is far superior to chest x-ray in diagnosing lung cancer. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.