Lung mets, is there a chance they aren't?

cherry123

I'm really concerned about my mother. She had a mammogram 2 weeks ago and without a biopsy, they said it was breast cancer so she will undergo a lumpectomy next week. The tumor is less than 1 cm and they don't see any lymph nodes involved.

She did a Chest X Ray which showed something suspicious in right lung and then had a CT scan. The radiologist report says that there are lesions, the biggest one being 7mm, and that they are mets. There are no other problems anywhere else, neither in the lymph nodes.

Is it possible that they are NOT mets but something benign? They are not doing any more tests and the surgeon just said there will be a different treatment after the surgery. How can they be sure these lesions are mets without previous scanning and without biopsy?

Moderators

Hi Cherry, welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're sorry for what your mom is going through... but we're glad that you found us!

Until other members post here with their own experiences and support, you may find interesting the article Tests to diagnose metastatic breast cancer from our main site to have a better idea of the different tests used to screen for metastatic breast cancer.

Please keep us posted on how your mom's surgery goes! In the mean time, you may also find it helpful to connect with some of the members on our For Caregivers, Family, Friends and Supporters forum.

Hope this helps. We're keeping her in our thoughts.

The Moderators

cherry123

Thank you very much for your responses.

No, they didn't say anything about biopsy, but the surgeon is already changing the plan of the surgery - at first he said that they may perform a mastectomy if needed and now he says that they will only get the tumor out to examine it. A small surgery so that they don't ruin her immune system. I'm sure the surgeon didn't even look at the scan, he only read the report from the scan that there are metastatic lesions in the lung.

I'm just wondering can you say for sure some lesions are malignant only through one CT scan? And I know that size is very important and in our case the biggest lesion is only 7mm... my mom is 56, smoker and with a history of bronchitis.

Janet456

Can she get a second opinion? I really think I would want one. They are making a lot of assumptions with out a biopsy, especially when talking about a mastectomy when they cannot be 100% of what the lump is until it is biopsied.

To cut a long story short I was at my mother's hospital appointment when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on the basis of an ultrasound.

I queried the lack of further testing and was told it was ovarian cancer and the only testing would be to see how far it had spread.

3 days later she was rushed into hospital with a burst bowel from Crohn's disease. She is fine now and she never had ovarian cancer either.

So yes, they can be wrong. Good luck to your mum xx

leggo

Hi Cherry. From my own experience, being a smoker as well, cancerous lesions "look" different than benign ones. I know I questioned not having a biopsy on my lung mets as well, and when the onc showed me the pictures it was quite obvious which were cancer and which weren't. The cancerous ones looked like little spiders and when they look like that, I guess there's no question and no need for a biopsy. I did not go for a second opinion because the explanation from the onc and radiologist made sense to me, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate if there was any doubt in your mind. The scans are really only as accurate as the radiologist who reads (interprets) them. So sorry for what your mom has to go through. Best wishes to both of you.

bevin

I can advise that a biopsy only confirms what they already suspect from the scan . Hope that helps and if you are worried, I'd ensure your Mom adds you as a person the doctors can speak to so that you can help her along the way. Good luck and prayers for both of you

Denise-G

Please get your mom to a major cancer center for evaluation. My 80 yr old mom was told at our local hospital that she would need a Mastectomy, chemo and rads. When we got her to Univ of Michigan breast cancer clinic, my mom needed a Lumpectomy only. Huge difference. And yes, lesions on lungs can definitely be something other than mets.

KBeee

your mom definitely needs another opinion. It is important to know if they are cancer, and if they are breast cancer metastasis or a primary lung cancer, which is possible with her smoking history. Early stage lung cancer and early stage breast cancer is much different than stage IV breast cancer

pajim

Cherry, I agree with everyone else. Lung nodules can be things other than cancer. It is also possible that whatever she has is obviously cancer. However, it appears that her physicians have not explained this well enough for you (or your mother?) to be satisfied.

This is actually a big deal. Her entire treatment strategy will be different depending on whether these are lung mets or not.

Ergo -- second opinion. You should get a copy of the scan and take it with you to a major cancer center. That way she won't have to be scanned again.

cherry123

Thank you all very much for your responses, I really appreciate the support!

We'll definitely get another opinion. Because obviously they want to see if the tumor in the breast is really cancer and then they will assume the lesions in the lung are related to it and start treatment. What if it is not related at all?

It's just so confusing, they are just assuming things, and there's not a single proof. And this is the biggest cancer hospital in our country with the best doctors. I really hope they are wrong...

Her surgery is on Monday, please keep your fingers crossed for us! Wish you all health and happiness!

Janet456

My belief is that they are assuming an awful lot at this stage. The pathology report that follows the surgery will tell you exactly what it is, then take it from there.

Best wishes for Monday xx