Lung Cancer

[smcminn37]

Several weeks ago my Mom coughed up blood we went to ER and had a chest x-ray. The Doctor cleared her to go home and said the radiologist would contact her if they saw something he didn't. They did, a 6mm nodule, as well as broken glass opacity in the lower lobe and an enlarged heart. A CT was done the following day. We have not had a sit down with her Dr, but have had phone contact. What we know for certain is that she does have a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes along both sides of the chest and needs a biopsy immediatly, we are waiting for scheduling between the radiologist and pulmonologist It was a long, frightening, weekend. What I have read and heard is not encouraging, but I would rather be prepared.

She is a smoker, she is often fatigued, her cough is worse, BP is all over the map, headaches, recent unexplained back pain, the list goes on. She is uninsured and 61. I don't know what I am asking for, perhaps just to say these things outloud and any advise. I am trying to think positive. Thank you in advance for any guidance.

[Davy9]

At this juncture it is one step at a time. There are some infectious organisms that can also result in a similar presentation. But, given the history you have shared, the situation does not sound too good. If it should turn out to be a lung cancer you hope that it has been caught early enough so that it can be surgically removed. If there is a surgical option it is the one with the higher survival statistics. If not then you will be dealing with radiation and chemo therapies.

They will biopsy the site and if found to be a malignant tumor they will then determine if it has spread and where. The latter is easily done with a PET scan. Based on those findings she will be offered some treatment scenarios.

Sadly this situation is seen many times a day across this country. Before the availability of the mass produced cigarette lung cancers were rare. Tobacco should be public health policy target #1. That we do not do more to contain tobacco is a national healthcare embarrassment and one which will be historically viewed with great angst and critical intrigue.

[smcminn37]

We are going in tomorrow am for the biopsy. Will they biopsy the enlarged nodes as well, or is that another procedure?
Thank you so much for your response, I am looking for any information I can get my hands on.

[Davy9]

They will likely biopsy just the tumor itself. If it shows that the tumor is malignant they can tell if the adjacent glands are involved using the PET (positron emission tomography) scan. The PET scan will show everywhere that tumors are active. You really do not want them poking about taking biopsies of multiple sites anyway.

[smcminn37]

It is very helpful to have even a few questions answered, I thank you for that.