Lung blockage shows up on ct scan

emilyirel

I have had an irritating cough, for a couple months, no fever. Today received results of ct scan saying a swollen?? Node Is pressing on one of my breathing tubes. More tests next week and referrals. Could this be something other than cancer? Is it likely recurrence or could it be lung cancer? Thank

cive

I'm not sure what you mean by "breathing tube", but yes a "swollen node" could be caused by numerous things that are benign.  They may just want to have you follow up with another scan in a few months, but I guess you'll find out when you get a referral probably to a pulmonologist. 

emilyirel

I'm not sure what a breathing tube is either.. I'm booked to see pulminologist next week who will put a tube into my lungs for a look. Also I'm booked for a ct scan for rest of my orgsns ( is this for mets?)

emilyirel

ok so more information. There is dense tissue surrounding the left upper node bronchus.this causes the tube to narrow etc...associated atelectasis which I think is the lung not inflating. No fluid or infection...

cive

You are correct that atelectasis is a localized pocket that is collapsed and so not inflated.  That you don't have an effusion (no fluid) is good news and this could well be benign.  And a CT scan is used for other things than just mets, it gives a 3 D image which is why it is called "Computer aided Tomography".  

Kaso

My situation is similar. I have had a bark type cough that began mid may a full month before my breast cancer awareness/diagnosis. Each doctor from brast surgeon-RO to MO commented. My internist sent me to a gastro who ordered a chest exray which was clear. Then I had my CT Scan for simulation and a spot was seen on the outer edge of my lung. A lung CT followed the day after. Theinflamation noted was said to be scarring from an infection. Nodules were also seen. A set endoscopy was noow postponed because the cough is feared to cause spasm during scoping. Now I am referred to a thoraxic oncologist with testing happening in a week. To say I am freaking out once again is accurate. This is the bumpiest, scariest journey I have ever been on. I have yet to start radiotherapy & fear another major diversion.

emilyirel

Hi thanks for Ye comments. I had the ct chest scan last week . This showed the Increased soft tissue density in the left Hilum surrounding the left upper node bronchi. A band of soft alectasis extends from the helium anteriorly to the pleura. Tgere is Also a 6x5mm nodule.

Now they want to completion staging CT abdomen and pelvis, and refer me to respiratory for a bronchoscopy...

cive

So once you finish your tests, you'll have a better idea of what's going on and can plan what if anything you need to do.  They probably will use a dye contrast for the CT scan, I assume you didn't have contrast for your chest scan.

emilyirel

Hi Cive ... yes there was no dye used in the chest scan last week. I guess I'm posting because I'm waiting for this week's tests, and the news. Mt breathing and coughing is really uncomfortable and I can't do too much.

KBeee

Hoping you get answers. Hoping they are brnign

new_direction

I have my fingers crossed for you.

Did you get radiation treatment? It could probably be tissue changes after radiation.
We are often not told about the side effects in detail, but many surrounding areas are exposed to radiation...

For a couple of years I was worried about rib pain and ended up thinking it was muscle knots, but it probably was do to radiation as well.

emilyirel

I still have no diagnosis and am in some discomfort with breathing and coughing.... were hoping the flixotase im huffing will help calm the irritation. over the last weeks I've had multiple GP visits, a consultation with my oncologist, a blood test, chest X-ray, 3 cat scans, spirometry test, coming up tomorrow another spirometry test, bronchoscopy the next day, then a visit to the respiratory specialist next week- hopefully with staging/ a diagnosis, also have a mammogram and as of today, I've been referred to see a gynaecologist about cervical issues that showed up in scans..... no symptoms.

lungs- left not inflating properly, but no signs of calcification, infection, no inflamed lymph ( this is good). Left bronchial blockage - need to take samples to decide on a remedy- possibly breast/ or lung cancer.

Heart- good

Liver, kidneys and other organs - good ( tho liver enzymes v. High)

Lady bits- TBC. Thickened lining and irregular heterogenous appearance... need to take samples and check fior cervical cancer.

Hoping for an easy resolution to all this.

Thanks for reading

emilyirel

how are you going Kaso? Anything new to report? Hope you're coping ok

Kaso

Thanks for asking. I wish I had answers. Since my post I met with a thoracic oncologist. He reviewed the lung CT. He tested and ruled out COPD. The nodules he sees in the lung behind the breat that had cancer are max 4mm on the scan.He will recscan in NOvember. He said if growth he will biopsy and if BC in lungs it wil be caught early even two months later. He is running a test to rule out asthma on 10/2. My gastro won't do the endoscope since I stil am coughing. I fear significant changes to my esppagus with the 4 months of coughing.The asthma is what I believe I am suddenly experiencing and seems triggered by lots of talking and by heat. I am 1/2 through hypor fractionated radiation. Unfortunately I don't have confidence that things will work out well for me.

Kaso

Emily- What is your new treatment now that the lungs are confirmed as cancer, and is it still breast cancer in the lungs?