Mass on lung and lymph nodes

Posted by detroitmom23 @detroitmom23, Jan 4, 2023

I had a routine Cat Scan about a month ago and found large mass in lung and probability of surrounding lymph nodes. I have consultation this week to discuss best approach to biopsy and also setting up Pet scan. I’m beyond devastated and scared. I heard the needle biopsy is miserable. I feel certain I’m facing death and perhaps worse thing is telling my two adult daughters who already lost their dad when they were kids.

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

sg | @sglaza | Mar 5 9:06am

In reply to @skm101 "Is that good?" + (show)

Hello skm101,
Having the bronchocopy is the logical next step and will allow the doctors to visualize the lung lymph nodes to see if they are enlarged and to biopsy them……another step in seeing if your lung cancer has spread. Good luck with the procedure.

skm101 | @skm101 | Mar 4 1:08pm

In reply to @skm101 "Yes it is." + (show)

Is that good?

skm101 | @skm101 | Mar 4 1:08pm

In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @skm101, A PET scan will show a mass, but it will also provide information on..." + (show)

Yes it is.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 4 10:00am

In reply to @skm101 "PET came back with pretty much the same as CT. Irregular nodule etc. I thought PETs..." + (show)

Hi @skm101, A PET scan will show a mass, but it will also provide information on the amount of metabolic activity in those masses. Infections, inflammation, and cancer will all have metabolic activity. That activity lights up on the scan, and will show as different levels of brightness (or uptake). Cancer is very active, and will have a higher number.

A biopsy is a good next step. Your doctors are taking actions on what they are seeing, and are trying to make sure they don’t miss anything. Are they doing the biopsy through a bronchoscopy procedure?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/about/pac-20385078

skm101 | @skm101 | Mar 3 12:49pm

PET came back with pretty much the same as CT. Irregular nodule etc. I thought PETs pick up all cancers but now I'm going Thursday for a biopsy. So many emotions!

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 1 10:48am

In reply to @skm101 "I had the PET scan ladt Friday at noon. Im waiting for results. Thouggt I woukd..." + (show)

@skm101 , just touching base, how are you holding up? Still waiting for PET results?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 1 10:45am

In reply to @stormmayo1 "Yes cancer was found in left upper lobe and in some surrounding lymph nodes. Will be..." + (show)

You’ll do great! Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your team know if you are uncomfortable or have questions. They are there to help, and even though this is your first time, they’ve helped a lot of patients through this.

stormmayo1 | @stormmayo1 | Feb 28 6:49pm

Don’t panic. Where there is life there is hope.

stormmayo1 | @stormmayo1 | Feb 28 6:47pm

In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @stormmayo1, I hope she is recovering from the procedure. A cough is to be expected,..." + (show)

Yes cancer was found in left upper lobe and in some surrounding lymph nodes.
Will be starting radiation to lung and chemo for 6 weeks. Just starting next week….will see how this goes.