I am glad that she has no serious symptoms right now. That is good news.
Regarding any possible treatment at Mayo, you would have to call Mayo (and perhaps send her medical records) and see what they have to say. Here is the info again for calling for an appointment, https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments
Will you post and let me know what you find out?
Hi @rabiaaa18, I add my welcome. What type of carcinoma does your aunt have? In other words, where did it start? Did it start in the liver and then metastacized to the lungs? Or was it a carcinoma of unknown primary? (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carcinoma-unknown-primary/symptoms-causes/syc-20370683)
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
No, you need to call the Mayo appointment phone number for the Mayo facility closest to your aunt and ask them what they need to see.
Will you let me know how it goes?
Hello @rabiasam
I can understand your confusion regarding your aunt's diagnosis as her blood tests all seem to be normal. Have you discussed this with her oncologist?
As you may know, on Mayo Connect most of us are patients like your aunt, and we cannot diagnose or explain your aunt's cancer diagnosis. Please remember that if you would like your aunt to be seen at Mayo in order to better understand her diagnosis you would need to schedule an appointment with her. Here is the information again about scheduling an appointment at one of the three Mayo Clinic campuses, https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments
I appreciate the care and concern you have for you aunt and I hope you get an answer to these questions.
Liked by Colleen Young, Connect Director
@rabiasam, when making a cancer diagnosis or monitoring for recurrence or metastasis, the medical team uses a combination of testing. Tumor markers, such as AFP and CA19-9, cannot be used alone to diagnose cancer. Generally, tumor marker measurements are used in combination with other tests, such as biopsies. Tumor marker levels may be measured before treatment to help doctors plan the appropriate therapy. In some types of cancer, the level of a tumor marker reflects the stage (extent) of the disease and/or the patient’s prognosis (likely outcome or course of disease). You can read more about tumor markers from the National Cancer Institute here: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis/tumor-markers-fact-sheet
Your questions about normal levels of tumor markers and what they mean are very good questions to ask your mom's cancer team. What other tests has your mom had, such as CT scans or biopsies?
@hopeful33250
Hello @rabiaaa18 and welcome to Mayo Connect.
I appreciate the interest you are taking in your aunt's recent diagnosis. I know how difficult a diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma can be. How was her diagnosis confirmed? Is she interested in seeking a second opinion at a Mayo Clinic? There are three Mayo facilities in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona. The best way to find out if she is a candidate for further treatment would be to call for an appointment. Here is information regarding making an appointment:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments
We have had many Members here on Connect who have sought treatment and help at Mayo. I would encourage you to read some of their posts at the following links, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/. Here you will see many discussions relating to lung cancer.
Is your aunt currently in a lot of pain? How is her breathing?