Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

Main Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the chest portion of the body’s main artery. It grows slowly and is usually silent, so symptoms often start only when it begins to press on nearby structures or leak. Deep chest pressure is the hallmark. It feels like a weight or tight band behind the breast-bone that doesn’t go away with rest or antacids. Back pain between the shoulder blades is common. It’s dull, persistent, and can throb more when you lie flat. Hoarseness or voice change appears if the aneurysm stretches the nerve to the voice box. Cough shows... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma starts in the large airways, so it announces itself with cough and breathing changes earlier than many other lung cancers. Persistent cough is the star. It starts dry, becomes productive, and can bring up rusty or blood-streaked sputum. Chest pain is common. It feels like a deep, dull ache or a sharp stab that gets worse when you breathe or cough. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff faster than friends on stairs or feel winded during light activity. Wheezing shows up if the tumor partly blocks an airway, causing a whistle-like sound on exhale. Repeated... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Pulmonary Hemangioma

A pulmonary hemangioma is a benign tangle of blood vessels inside the lung. Most stay quiet, but if they bleed or press on airways they send clear signals. Dry cough is the early clue. It hangs around for weeks, won’t clear with cough syrup, and can start or stop suddenly. Blood-tinged sputum is the red flag. You may notice pink streaks or rust-colored flecks in otherwise clear spit. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff faster than friends on stairs or feel winded during light activity. Chest pain shows up later. It feels like a dull, heavy weight or a... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma is a slow-growing lung cancer that starts deep in the small airways. Early symptoms mimic a cold, so many people ignore the first warning signs. Dry cough is the hallmark. It hangs around for weeks, won’t clear with cough syrup, and tends to get worse at night. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing one flight of stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing. Chest pain shows up later. It feels like a dull, heavy weight or a sharp stab when you breathe deep or cough. Blood-tinged sputum is a red flag. You may notice pink... Learn more

Main Symptoms of Rib Fracture

A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the ribs. It usually happens after a fall, a car accident, or a hard hit to the chest. The main symptom is sharp pain that gets worse when you breathe, cough, or move. Sharp pain is the hallmark. It feels like a knife stab when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, or roll over in bed. Tenderness is pinpoint. Pressing on the injured rib hurts, and you can often feel the exact spot with your finger. Swelling and bruising show up fast. The skin around the rib puffs... Learn more