Connect
Multifocal Adenocarcinoma of the lung, continual recurrences
We have multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung. @linda10 and @sakota.- Please join me in this discussion.
For a short explanation of this tongue twister. Briefly, Multifocal Adenocarcinoma (MAC) of the lung is a clinical entity of multiple synchronous (less than 6 months) or metachronous (more than 6 months), often ground-glass opacities (GGO) on CT scan, typically indolent-behaving cancers. There is a scarce amt of clinical data to guide treatment decisions.
This came from http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2017.35.15_suppl.e20041.
This means that more than one potential cancerous lesion, mostly ground glass, shows up at a time. For instance I had 3 cancerous lesions 10 years ago in my left lung and in the same area. They were all different sizes. They grow at different rates.
Multifocal adenocarcinoma is a very complex cancer because the medical profession doesn't know if the ground glass lesions are the primary cancer or small metastases of another primary cancer. They don't even know where they start..
Multifocal Adenocarcinoma has sub types and it's management is based on whether it's indolent or very virulent.
These are very simplistic explanations. Even doctors are confused by it and it's only been within the last twenty years that they have separated it from a Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC).
The constant recurrences are the buggers. Not only do we have to constantly face lots of CT scans but when lung cells change, which they often do, we are in terror of another virulent cancer. I presently have several ground glass lesions. And I have had many that have disappeared. It's enough to drive you nuts and PTSD is exacerbated by the frequency of these devils.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Meka! Hello. You are always welcome on Connect. We understand that people take breaks. But we are always here whenever you need us. Are you due for a CT scan? How are you doing?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNot sure if I am still welcome. Will be coming over to Mayo next month for follow-up, and yes it's scary. Glad to see folks are still here 😁.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@sakoa- Good morning Joan. I am so glad to hear from you! I'm doing ok. I had a scare with some Vertigo this past month but other than that I've been pretty healthy. Yes, radiation can cause damage to the heart or any organ for that matter. Now with that blanket statement made I also want to say that there are new types of radiation treatments with different types of radiation and different machines that try and avoid direct hits to important organs. I'm sure that if radiation is an option for you than all of your previous history would be taken into consideration. And hey, you will be going to Mayo! They will do the best that they can for you, I'm sure.
So how have you been? Any major complaints or good news?
I guess with this cold winter I go into hibernation So how are you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo I go to mayo in April. So will find out then.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi I'm Nancy.... I was diagnose with two kinds of Lung cancer (mesothelioma and small cell cancer. Meso is in my left lung. I have ct scans every three months. I have had chemo for my right lung, was allergic to it and then Immune therapy that made me hurt all over. Then Predisone for severral months to stop the pain. Only reason for the radiation is to stop the bleeding in my right lung. I can't do anything else, I will be 87 next month and don't t know or care which one kills me. All this started just four years ago. My husband worked in the plastering industry from 1955 to 1980 and brought hi stuff in his clothes. Fifteen years later he had cancer with several surgeries later he died at age 90 in 23018. So whatever happens.....happens. Nancy
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi merry. How are you. I just finished reading in connect about radiation damaging the heart. It mentioned about breast cancer but was wondering if this also included radiation for lung cancer on the left lung. I go too mayo in April for my ct scan so was wondering if this is something I need to discuss prepare mysel for or what. I already had one heart attack and this was before the copd and lung cancer. This is never ending. Think of everyone and my prayers are with you all. Joan
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@sakota- Good morning Joan! I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you feeling? Has there been any decision about your left lung yet?
@cornucopia- Good morning and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am a fighter and put a lot of faith and trust into my doctors and science. What has drawn you attention to Multifocal Adenocarcinoma of the lung-continual recurrences group?
How wonderful! You are obviously a fighter and that plus modern medicine will create miracles for you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction