Had a CT scan today. Its say's emphysema you please tell me what this means?

[WinterWarz]

I just had a CT scan and in the results it says.... There is lung emphysema. There is a right apical heterogenous density spanning about 17mm (axial image 15 of series 5 and coronal image 57 of series 7) What does this mean and is it serious? and should I be worried?  

[CHIN_C]

You have copied words from the FINDINGS section of the radiology report which details the radiologist's observations. If you look at the IMPRESSION section of the radiology report (usually located at the bottom, although sometimes at the top), it will usually explain the meaning of the findings (e.g., infection and/or cancer) and give recommendations on how to what next steps to take. If it is still not clear, you can discuss further with the ordering doctor and/or interpreting doctor (radiologist).

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355555