What tumor size is typical for removing part of the lung?

Welcome Shella- News that is life-changing is certainly an incredible kick to the head! Especially if you didn't expect it at all. I don't know if you have had the time or even the inclination to do any research about the type of cancer that you have. It took me a while to even absorb the news. Here is a site that might help, especially if you do not have any medical training or experience. It also delves into the structure of the lungs which to me is superb. Knowledge is power and the more basic stuff that you can learn the more in control you will feel. Right now I bet you aren't feeling all that in control.

Some doctors remove the entire lung, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Your left lung is comprised of two lobes. Although I don't have your type of cancer my entire left upper lobe and lower right lobe have been removed.

If you have an appointment with your surgeon prior to surgery as him to show you the scans and why he has made his decision. He needs to answer your questions!

Have you had a lot of other tests for blood, bone scan, etc as yet?

Hi @shella, I wanted to make sure you saw the helpful post from @merpreb. I have also added your post to the Neuroendocrine Tumors support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/

@gapsc @tatteesmom3 @paulaelliott007 @tonyhasumners also have carcinoid lung tumor and can share their experiences.

I agree with Merry to ask more questions of your surgeon. Do you have another consult coming up?

@shella I had a similar experience. I went to the ER because I was coughing up some blood but I certainly wasn't expecting them to find the 5.7 CM Mass on my upper right lobe. Anyway after a pet scan, and a bronchoscopy it ended up being initially just Klebsiella pneumoniae, but 3 weeks later, just yesterday I was called and told I also have Mycobacterium Avium Complex, MAC for short. But a CT scan was just done on Friday and it's showing now that I have a 5.2 CM hole in my lung, where the mass was.. I see on infectious disease specialist on tuesday. I'm not really sure what they're going to do. I'm really scared though, and having a hole in my lung that big is terrifying. And I don't have a lot of symptoms however. I wish I could tell you more about getting one half your lung removed, I know someone that had it done and they lived a really good rest of their life. They really didn't have any problems. I'm not sure what the magic number is for that but I suppose it's all dependent on if you're a candidate to have that surgery, where the tumors located, and if it's easy to get out or not. Obviously yours is. I would definitely opt for the surgery rather than chemo and radiation and the chance that they don't get it all. Anyway good luck!

size doesn't really matter, it depends more on the type of cancer in the lung. They will most likely watch it if it is slow growing. However, saying this, your specialist will be the best source of information. Did you know that we have five compartments in our lungs that work independently? I know of a man that only has one compartment of a lung and he runs every day. A positive mind goes a long way.
I have carcinoid syndrome, stage two renal and liver failure have lost my cervix and uterus due to cancer. I have been living with this cancer for over 20 years now. And am currently on another 5 year recovery period. Do what you've got to do hun, but stressing over something that you can not control is not something I would waste my time on. positive mind.

I am grateful for good sites to go to for research and even more grateful to hear about others diagnosis, experiences and how they are moving forward as this will help me get through this. I am feeling better about everything! Also thank you for the great questions to ask.
They did a lot of blood work while I was in the hospital for 5 days getting various scans with and without contract and biopsies. But they did not do a bone scan. I met with my surgeon last week and he told me that it was cancer, what type it was and he was very good at explaining things and answering my questions during my appt. I do plan on calling the assistant that he has assigned to me to answer my questions since I have met with him. He informed me that it may have gone into the fat around the heart, so he recommended to do the surgery in mid to late March which is the soonest he could get me scheduled.
Thank you again

Thank you! I was able to read @merpreb post it was very helpful. I appreciate that you added my post to the Neuroendocrine Tumors support group as well as people that will be a good source for experiences. I am realizing that I should try and set up another appt to see my scans and be able to ask the questions that I have now. My surgeon was great at explaining things and answering my questions at my appt as well as why he wants to do surgery as soon as he could schedule it in mid to late March.
Thank you again for the information.

Hi Shella- This is a good choice! To me, if a doctor doesn't want to answer questions then he/she is telling you that you are not a top priority. Thank goodness this isn't the case with you. Doctors who share their experiences and knowledge are gold coins. Don't be afraid to write lists. Prioritize your concerns and write down your answers. Ask for correct spellings if needed. I once had a doctor grab my list and stuff it in his pocket. I demanded it back and walked out.

As patients, I really believe that we need to show respect and listen to our doctor's advice and recommendations. I question anything that I don't understand and research anything that I think I need more information about. In the same vein, doctors need to show respect too.

It sounds as if you have a good rapport and this is so important. It's not unusual to want to remove as much cancer as early as possible when it is diagnosed. Time to get the bad boys out and get on with things!

How are you feeling today?

Hi- I'm wondering where you researched your information regarding the size or type of cancer that determines prognoses for someone. I think that it is much more complicated than you have stated. I have never read that size doesn't matter. As a matter of fact to make it more confusing for us there really doesn't seem to be a pat answer, unless you have more than one source that says differently.

Other factors, such as the subtype of NSCLC, gene changes in the cancer cells, your age and overall health, and how well cancer responds to treatment, can also affect prognosis.

Thank you

Hi @jewels71, I'd like to add my welcome. You may also wish to follow the discussions in the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/