Lung Mets, Lung Cancer...

westiesmom

What is the best test to detect Lung Mets/Cancer. Xray, Ct Scan or PET Scan? My recent Chest Xray was normal, but given my symptoms that started Feb 2012, thought it was Brohncitis and was put on Z-Pak. Long story short. I have been on the 'google', and most sites state that just because an Xray is normal does not mean no lung cancer. So I do Have an appt to see a Pulmonary Dr next Friday, ( coughing up mucus clusters, brown, green, bright red blood streaks, shortness of breath). Recently did Zpak again and Cipro. Onc put me on 500mg Augmentin this past Friday, still no relief. Should I insist on a PET Scan. Is that the best test to find anything in the lung. The CT chest scans I have had in the past showed a '2cm or 2mm, (can't remember), pulmonary nodule in my lower left lobe/lung. I want to be prepared to ask for the right test.

Thank you and prayers to all.

kathleen1966

Sorry you are having this continuing problem. I think an X-ray is not good for diagnosing cancer in the lung, unless it is large and extensive. I think a  PET scan in your case will light up (even though you may not have cancer) because there is clearly something going on in your lungs if you have been suffering this long. However, that long and cancer? I don't know. It seems unlikely that you would be able to have cancer in your lungs for a year without it progressing.  So even though a PET scan is good for showing cancer, in your case, as there clearly is SOMETHING going on with your lungs, I would say a CAT scan would be best. There are PET scans that also have a CAT scan component.  I had one of those. You have been suffering for some time with this lung issue.  Has anyone in your family ever suffered from Alpha 1?  or COPD?  Here's some info on Alpha 1---sorry, I hope its ok to give you this information. Just something to think about, if more doctors tell you there is nothing wrong with your lungs!! A lot of people don't know about Alpha 1....I hope you get answers soon! 
http://www.copd-international.com/library/Alpha1-defined.htm

bevin

I've read a combonation  PET/ CT is the best diagnostic tool for that. Here is an article addressing it.  I hope this helps.

 

 

PET for the evaluation of pleural thickening observed on CT.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15181135

westiesmom

Kathlenn196 and Bevin, thank you both. I will check out Alpha 1, (never heard of that), and the PT?CT link.

Prayers to all.

bevin

Keep us posted. stay well.

westiesmom

Will do.

westiesmom

CT Scan of sinuses and chest without contrast scheduled for Thursday January 24th. Back to Dr. on Monday February 4th for results etc. This waiting is just so uhg!!!

Prayers to all.

hopeful34

I haven't been on this site for several years. Recently I went for my five year check-up and my tumor markers were slightly elevated. I had been having a lot of chest pains, so the oncologist ordered a chest xray. The chest xray showed right middle lobe pneumonia. This was 2 months ago. I have taken two courses of antibiotics with no relief. Actually, the pain is worse and I am having trouble breathing. I had a second chest xray which showed a right pleural effusion and small infiltrate. I went to have CT scan on Thursday and I am now awaiting the results. Apparently, my doc is out of the country, so they will have him call me Monday if he is back. Am I crazy to be concerned that this is a recurrence involving my lungs? Thanks

Pessa

Infiltrate doesn't sound as scary as a mass or nodule.........Hope you get good news. Please update us

hopeful34

Thanks. I am just worried mostly because I am having so much trouble breathing. Waiting for results sucks.

Sandra66208932

Update?