Scan Results - Is This Lung Mets?

Also I had 2 of them one 2 mm and one 3mm and they said they were left over from probably a cold.  Did your doc call and say it was mets?

Those terms are describing the position of the nodule... I am so surprised they gave you the report without actually explaining them first. I hardly think if the doctor thought you had lung mets that he would say fax her the report without talking to you first.

I know it's hard not to read and reread all test results and plug in terminology into the computer, but if you can try not to let it get the best of you until you speak with the onc or nurse.  I agree with Jenn that if they thought it was mets they would have talked to you before giving you the report.

 Continuted (((HUGS))) until you talk to the onc.

Barb,

First I would like to send hugs your way. Now I hopefully can put your mind a little at ease. First of all I am sorry I didnt see this post sooner, I have been working. I am a CT tech, so I think I can clear a few things up for you. The nodule that is new is in the upper portion of the left lower lung. It is 3mm at its widest point. It appears to be stable and they are recommending for it to be watched. This all means that at this point they do not think that it is that worrisome. They typically say in the report how long they want to wait until it is rescanned. The longer they suggest out the less worrisome they feel it is. But they typically never recommend less than a 2 mo recheck. The other nodule that you originally had hasnt changed at all. That would mean that it probably is nothing or it would have changed in the year. Radiologist are very specific in their reports. If they thought it was mets, they actually state "worrisome for metaphysis". Or they may say worrisome and recommend biopsy. The other thing they might would say is to recommend PET scan. Like I said they are very specific so the Dr knows exactly what they need to do. Alot of people have nodules in their lungs and they mean nothing. They can tell by the shape whether it is worrisome just like on mammos they can tell by the way it looks on a film. Now to clear up a few things from the other comments. When you have a CT scan the xray tube travels in a circle around the body giving the 3 dimensional picture so it does not matter how you lay on the table. The position will not make a difference. As far as breathing and coughing it does affect the image. It causes motion on the image but certainly does not produce a nodule.Radiation damage is always a thin line right under the rib cage of the radiated side. It looks like scar tissue because of the damage to the lung. It is not a nodule. I really feel like right now you dont have anything to be really concerned about. I do hope this makes you feel a little better until you can talk to your oncologist. Best wishes

                                                                                                Kandie

Barb,

Hugs!  I agree with the other ladies..but a good talk with your onc will make you feel much better.  Let us know how it goes.

Hi Barb~ I am an RN and was talking to a MD at work about scans today. She said they often use terminology that covers them if something happens down the road...they don't want to say clear so they say stable or continue to monitor. Of course liability is at issue too! She said these terms can be confusing to patients getting their results from their computers. She said she gets calls herself if things are bad so she can personally call the patient. Also a woman was there today with sudden pain and they worked her up for ovarian or uterine cancer. Turns out it was a ruptured cyst on her liver. She'd had scans years ago and they said she'd had these cysts for many years.The cysts are common and benign and she is fine. I think Kandy's explanation was really helpful. Due to BC we always assume the worst so all this is hard. It sounds though that you will be reassured tomorrow after talking to your onc!

Barb -

I'm so sorry about the scanxiety that you had to go through but very glad about your results!  And I really appreciate your asking questions because the info on this post is great.  It helps me understand some of the wording that I've been seeing on my reports.

Keep rolling on!

Wonderful News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah!!!!

Barb....doing the happy dance for you

Barb,

I have been w/out my computer for almost a week and I just saw your posts.  Damn, you have been through the wringer!  And I COMPLETELY understand.  All that medical mumbo jumbo---they really shouldn't give us patients those reports w/out the doc explaining it first.  I am just glad to hear the doc gave you good news!  Now, try to relax and enjoy some PEACE!!!!

Love,

Sharon

Just had a restaging PET/CT done for my wife, and the liver met is nearly resolved (SUV down to 2 from 10.8, and now about 1.12 sq. cm, down from nearly 12 sq. cm, or 90% gone!

One part of the report is a bit unsettling, and Onc can only suggest she rescan in 8 weeks to really determine what's going on. In meantime, wife will do TCH another 3 rounds, bringing it to a total of 9 rounds.

 Here is the line from the report... would appreciate anyone who has had similar reports chiming in with their experience

"Several new 3 to 4mm pulmonary nodules are identified including 3 in the right lung and 2 in the left lung, which are indeterminate, however metastatic disease cannot be excluded."

Important facts to consider

1. PET scan was also done and did not show any increased activity (realize that given size of 3-4mm the PET likely wouldn't pick it up anyhow.

2. CA 15-3 tumor marker was down again... down to 20. (from original 1000). It has been down each and every time the past 7 readings. (CEA 0.3, CA 27.29 <40) 

Onc feels it is most likely these are related to inflammation from possible cold or other benign reasons, however given the breast cancer has already spread to liver, nobody wants to rule it out completely.

Any input?