Lung lobectomy

I thought it odd also and being curious found the enclosed screen shot. I found that it is not that uncommon. I would have a serious conversation with the doctor about why?. Usually surgery is the last option.

Thank you for your reply. I was told the lobectomy was necessary to make certain there was no cancer, due to the location of the inflammation. I want to hear from other people who have had lobectomy without cancer, regarding follow-up care, CT scan results, etc.

@debcain3121, Once a year scans for a few years may not be a bad idea, but I'm not a clinician or doctor either. 🙂 Many lung cancers go un-diagnosed for years because we generally don't have symptoms until the cancer is advanced. As a stage IV lung cancer patient, I usually tell people to take a scan if/when offered and try not to diminish any symptoms that you may be having.
How was your inflammation identified? Did it look like a nodule on a CT scan? I'm wondering how they may know the difference in the future. I'm glad that there wasn't cancer in your lung, that's great news! I'm guessing that you doctors expected it to be cancerous?

I’m sorry your cancer was not found sooner. Yes, the inflammation appeared as nodules on CT scans and looked like cancer on a PET scan. The only symptoms I had were a cough and a small amount of blood in what I coughed up. The area could not be reached by bronchoscope. The lower right lobe and some lymph nodes were removed and tested. No viral, fungal or bacterial infection and no cancer was found. I will probably get a CT scan every year just to be careful. If anything suspicious is found, they will probably want to do a bronchoscopy. Small price to pay for peace of mind, I guess.

Did a biopsy not show cancer.

No, biopsy showed no cancer.

@debcain3121
Was this surgery very painful. Thanks

Hi @bogy, Lung biopsies can be done using different methods depending on the location and the health of the patient. Usually a bronchoscopy is done, where a sample is taken from going down your throat. You are sedated for the procedure. After the fact, I've had some minor coughing, but it is not painful. I have not had a lung puncture biopsy where they insert a needle through the skin and into the lung.
Are you, or someone you care about, facing a biopsy?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374627

@bogy There was some pain after the lobectomy, but it was not too bad. I took gabapentin, methocarbamol and Tylenol for two weeks after the surgery.

@lls8000 drs found a second d nodule in lower right lung. With early stage emphazema. Going for a pet scan soon. A lot of thi gs are going g through my mind. Radiation or surgery if it is cancer. Just wa Ted to know if surgery was painful. Dr me tiobed raduation and/or surgery. Very scary for ne.