1. < Lung Cancer

I have pleural based lung issues. Is it cancer?

Posted by registrar @registrar, Sep 5, 2023

HI. I'm new here and looking for info/advice. 64yo smoker. May of this year had prescreening lung cancer CT. They found many pleural and subpleural nodules measuring 6mm, 5mm, a couple 3mm and the rest smaller. I think one is not in the pleura. They also found atelectasis and linear scarring in LLL, and biapical pleural thickening. They are not concerned (much) so only suggesting another CT in a year. Can't find much info on my particular situation, and most searches send me over to mesothelioma sites (which I don't believe I have as I'm not high risk). I'm considering going to Mayo Clinic for second opinion and possibly requesting a PET scan. Am I way off in my thinking or is this the direction I should be going?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

registrar | @registrar | Sep 9, 2023
In reply to @merpreb "Hi Registrar- Good morning. Mentors cannot give medical professionals. We use our own experiences to support..." + (show)
@merpreb

Hi Registrar- Good morning. Mentors cannot give medical professionals. We use our own experiences to support and give members recommendations based on their experience. I am a patient also.

This doesn't sound very clear to me. It must frustrate the xxx out of you. Can you have a sit-down or conference call with one of your doctors to find out what the test results mean? Something sounds off here. A year to wait?

Have you stopped smoking or has the doctor refused to treat you based on continued smoking (if you are still smoking)?

Merry

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Thank you, Merry. I'm going to look into getting a second radiological reading with a different institution (I'm not trusting mine much). I'm fine paying out of pocket if it's not covered by insurance. I just want someone "new" to read them and give me their impression. Appreciate your input. Have a lovely weekend!!

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 9, 2023
In reply to @registrar "Thank you, Merry. I'm going to look into getting a second radiological reading with a different..." + (show)
@registrar

Thank you, Merry. I'm going to look into getting a second radiological reading with a different institution (I'm not trusting mine much). I'm fine paying out of pocket if it's not covered by insurance. I just want someone "new" to read them and give me their impression. Appreciate your input. Have a lovely weekend!!

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Registrar- Good choice! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Despite all of this, if you can, you have a lovely weekend too!

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dwood003 | @dwood003 | Sep 10, 2023
In reply to @registrar "It sounds like your 2000 CT had results very similar to mine. But it also sounds..." + (show)
@registrar

It sounds like your 2000 CT had results very similar to mine. But it also sounds like it wasn't detected as cancerous until 2018. That's a long time. How are you doing now? I know pleural tumors can also be caused by a metastisis which is why I'm concerned about that one random 5mm nodule that is not pleural-based (which could be the primary lung cancer). You can see why I'm so confused. I hope you are doing well and if you feel like sharing your journey, I'd be interested in knowing more.

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You are almost right. Asbestos exposure can take 30 to 50 years for the possibility of becoming cancer, with no symptoms. My 20 years of exposure started in 1955 and started the clock of uncertainty, every year from 2000 on I thought I had dodged the bullet. The follow-up CT scans in my case are to monitor any growth of the nodules: some would often go from say 5ml to 6ml or vice, versa, no big deal, and still, now I get new ones. When they continue to grow yours as mine did will get a CT-assisted needle biopsy. A needle through to back, painless. The CT scan summary description of mine when it became cancer was unquestionable, but a biopsy was required. In a way, it was a relief, I knew I was under the care of the best. The clock is still running but it's not that high on my health concerns. Been there, done that.

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pattyjo002 | @pattyjo002 | Sep 12, 2023

I would go to Mayo. I was not close to being anyone who would have mesothelioma but I have it. How I got it is a mystery. I had surgery and now going thru immune therapy. So far it’s holding its own.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 12, 2023
In reply to @pattyjo002 "I would go to Mayo. I was not close to being anyone who would have mesothelioma..." + (show)
@pattyjo002

I would go to Mayo. I was not close to being anyone who would have mesothelioma but I have it. How I got it is a mystery. I had surgery and now going thru immune therapy. So far it’s holding its own.

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Patty- This is so good to hear, that you are doing well. What kind of immune therapy are you on?

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pb50 | @pb50 | Sep 12, 2023

Former Marine here. Personally I’d tell them to pound sand on the “wait
a year” plan and get another opinion in a different medical market - obviously Mayo is a standard bearer. But so is Duke. Flip a coin. 🙂

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horiconmarshgal | @horiconmarshgal | Nov 14, 2023

Hi. I also have pleural based issues. Mine was first seen on Ct in 2018. Nobody did anything. Now it is quite large. I too am looking for answers on this subject. More nodules in same lung, lower lobe. Pleural is on the top of same lung. Had biopsy done. Cancer. Please run, don't walk for another opinion. Meet today with Carbone cancer doc. to see what if anything we can do. Wishing you all life's best. I can let you know what she says if you want.

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horiconmarshgal | @horiconmarshgal | Nov 14, 2023
In reply to @registrar "I've been reading many of the other postings on this site (lung cancer) and see that..." + (show)
@registrar

I've been reading many of the other postings on this site (lung cancer) and see that so many of them have large conversations going on. Not the same with me. Doesn't anyone have the same situation as me or is what I'm dealing with a rarity? Pretty hard to feel supported when I can't seem to find support 🙁

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I also have pleural based tumor. Was noticed in 2018 & nobody did a thing about it. Now they are concerned. Please use your gut instinct & get to someone who does this stuff for a living. Nobody on here talks much about pleural based tumors or masses, so feel left out also. I know they are hard to treat. Guess I am in for a ride. They did biopsy & mine is cancer. I don't care if you smoke or not. People can be so judgmental. I used to smoke, worked in building & remodeling for yrs. Who know what we were exposed too! Take care, run don't walk for further help.

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