Just diagnosed with spiculated node in the right upper lobe

There is a good chance you were exposed to some carcinogenic chemical that caused that scarring in the 1960s. Sending hope that your surgery is successful and wishing you a swift recovery.

I’m sorry for your suffering with health issues, it’s seems to be a way of life for many seniors, myself included. I don’t think that the scar in your lung turned into cancer, I’ve never found any research saying that this is so, most people have scarring in their lungs usually caused by infections, also lung nodules are extremely common and usually not cancer but sometimes they are, this was the case with me on two occasions. Whatever the primary cause was for getting cancer you will get the help you need to move forward, it’s shocking to read how many people young and old are going through this, our environment is poor and lung cancer cases are going up, sadly many more are affecting the younger generations, good luck with your recovery.

There is evidence linking pulmonary scars to cancer. It is well documented.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8203054/

I stand corrected, thanks 😊

14 years and I'm still learning. I thought it was wrong at first, too. I had to Google.

I think that knowing the primary cause would benefit you if it was due to a lifestyle choice, i.e. smoking or a job that exposes you to dangerous chemicals. I have battled this disease for five years, I basically blamed it on having smoked in my life and I feel certain that the doctors did as well. Sadly, at the end of the day I don’t think that knowing the primary source is always a benefit unless you’re still doing things that made you sick in the first place. I truly researched this disease from day one and I hang onto the hope that they are making more progress with better treatments, amen.

Maybe 1 of 3 cancer patients had prior scarring in this old study but no statistics are listed for patients with scarring that turns to cancer and ignores many other factors. I've discussed this with the best Doctors and surgeons in the world at NJH.

wrmeador, I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in February of 2023. Diagnosis much like yours - a spiculated nodule was picked up on a CT scan having nothing to do with my lungs. Turns out to be something called EGFR lung cancer which has NOTHING to do with smoking. I had a lobectomy followed by 4 chemo sessions. My cancer was stage 1b with some involvement of the covering of my lungs. BTW, I’m 80 and otherwise healthy. Try not to get ahead of yourself. Cancer is very different now from when we were young adults. I take a targeted drug called Tagrisso which keeps cancer at bay for years. There are lot of new treatments. Find a good oncologist at the VA and trust their advice. Fingers crossed for you.

Thanks for your reply.
I've had a lot of chemo in 2011 for lekemia. I dont look forward to it again. I dont have much of a choice since this thing is growning larger.

wrmeador, chemo for my EGFR cancer was very different from what friends with lymphoma and breast cancer have had. It’s apparently the combination of chemicals that matters. I didn’t lose any hair. Worst side effects were nausea - which was pretty well managed with anti-nausea meds including steroids - and a terrible taste in my mouth - ginger chews and lemon drops plus some fatigue. First few days after infusion were OK. Days 4-9 were the worst. Hang in there.