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Is it lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jul 23 8:35pm | Replies (33)

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@burdyblue

I am having a PET/CT with my primary doctor in 2 weeks since a recent non contrast X-ray shows a 1 ½ by ¾ spiculated mass or nodule in my upper left lung that grew in the last three months from a low dose -ray I had last February. I'm not optimistic that is is benign. I am a 2-time breast cancer survivor but smoked also, so I would like to know, please, will a PET/CT be able to tell me if it is breast cancer spread or from smoking? Will there likely be other kinds of tests I will need for that, such as what? My first breast cancer was a lumpectomy with no positive nodes and radiation only. The second time, 12 years later, a mastectomy with one positive node. My last MRI of the breast recently was totally okay. I am anxious because I also don't know what kind of doctor to go to for answers. M.D. Anderson Cancer lung people here tells me they only receive patients with a positive cancer biopsy, so that's out. Do I go back to the surgical oncologist who did my mastectomy, or maybe my breast oncologist? My primary first said I need a pulmonologist. I'm anxious. and I would feel more at ease if I understood what the next steps are supposed to be and what doctor would be the fastest route to diagnosis and treatment since there are two possibilities as to what the source of this mass might be. Alls my primary did was sent me my results on a patient portal stating the lung mass is suspicious--no call, no specific dr. recommendation, so I was disappointed. I had to tell her get me the PET/CT that the radiology report recommended as the next step. Thank you.

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Replies to "I am having a PET/CT with my primary doctor in 2 weeks since a recent non..."

I agree with @jonijean, you need to see a Pulmonologist, and be sure it is one with focus on lung cancer...because Specialists have subspecialties...one needs the professional with real knowledge.
Your situation illustrates the importance of following one's test results and advocating for ones 'self. Medicine is a broad subject, no doctor has knowledge of it all, it is up to the patient to be sure that there is follow-up in the right directions.

Welcome to Mayo Connect @burdyblue. As others here have mentioned, your primary doctor is recommending a pulmonologist because they may be able to perform a biopsy. Those results should tell you if you are dealing with a benign nodule (quite common), lung cancer, or breast cancer that has spread to the lung. All of those three would be treated differently.
A PET scan will show the level of activity within the nodule, which is also helpful in determining the next steps.
Try to focus on what you know to be true, and not letting your mind wander.
Has a PET scan been ordered and scheduled?

pullminologist!