Collins LG, Haines C, Perkel R, Enck RE. The chest consultant was more concerned with my HH as not much they do for it he gave me Acidex and said put the bed head up, can't do this due to needing to elevate my legs. Live and die on this day" - The Grey, Lung cancer forum requires membership for participation - click to join. Every Best Wish to you both. So if they are removing it that is such a positive sign. Very good to hear her remaining kidney is clear. But I think within a week would be a reasonable expectation. Tumors may grow back after they've been removed. A 2006 study showed that nearly 25% of chest X-rays performed on patients with lung cancer were negative in the year before their diagnosis. Its great news for your Mum, if there can be great news with lung cancer. I was also sent for a colonoscopy to investigate that area. Keep your loved ones cholesterol levels low by encouraging them to reduce saturated fats and trans fats, exercise, quit smoking, and reduce stress levels. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women. Her PET scan was 9th October, how long will it take to get the results back? Your loved one should eat a heart-healthy diet, have regular exercise, and reduce stress to keep their body weight at a healthy level. should I talk to her? A PET scan can assess levels of metabolic activity. While some abnormalities may be defined structuressuch as a mass, nodule, or tumortheir appearance may not always be so well defined. I will make sure she keeps getting her checks. Semin Intervent Radiol. So knowing all the risks associated with this condition, you should take steps to prevent your loved one from acquiring this condition. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. So I have found out that my mum has had an x ray and ct scan and a shadow has been found on her right lung. Keep me posted. You don't know how nice it is to be able to chat to someone about all this. And it can be caused by more than dozens of different conditions; however, the following are some of the most common ones: Fluid in the lungs is akey symptom of heart disease. And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I dont mind. Fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years. Best of luck to you and mom and I'll say a couple prayers. I am posting as my elderly mum has been told she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung. All the way through with the support of my family and close friends I tried my best to remain positive the worst was with what I read on line don't google until you have a diagnosis and never be afraid to question or have a second opinion. Live and die on this day" - The Grey. Bloomfield, NJ 07003. My mom has lung cancer. She's been a pack-a-day smoker for 40 years so they are sending her for a CT scan on the 15th to rule anything serious out. Clot: I am assuming she has lung clot ( pulmonary embolism ). Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. She is 68 years old and they told her she had less than a year (she was also told 1-2 months maybe a year). Into the last good fight I'll ever know. I feel sick with worry. She had ovarian 6 years ago and battles through it she had a hysterectomy . Moderate-stage COPD or moderate obstruction from COPD? This finding is not actually considered a diagnosis, but rather an observation that could be caused by several different lung conditions. I hope this has eased your mind a little. Why Is Lung Cancer Increasing in Never Smokers? Live and die on this day. When they said this my initial thought was oh my god I am riddled with it. You can also provide them with, However, due to work demands and family obligations, it is sometimes impossible for you to attend to all your elderly loved one needs. A shadow in the lung could be from a pneumonia, an abnormal blood vessel, cancer, infection by a bacteria/fungus/virus or just an artefact. Heart failure and heart attack are leading causes of fluid buildup in the lungs. Please do not think it is all gloom, even if it is found to be cancer, so so many here are living well with treatment and for a long time. A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. "There are no perfect people, only perfect intentions" - Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou, "Once more into the fray. Face & hands swelling - Is this a sign of the end, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We were hoping for a few more months at least, but now it's clear she maybe has a few weeks. Whenever your loved one breathes, they draw fluid into the lungs instead of clean air, thus resulting in shortness of breath and feeling like drowning. Don't be afraid to gently chase those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting. You can do things to slow down or stop the problem before it gets too bad. Your loved one should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. All the best to you too. A spot on the lungs usually refers to a pulmonary nodule. 112 vineyard lane friendsville. Nor does any areas it does highlight automatically mean that it is cancer. So few diagnosis are early enough for this option. Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation? Might be best to wait and see what the CT scan shows. If it is not treated she could be at risk of developing other clots and even death from large clot obstructing blood flow from the heart to the lung. But my best answer to your question is that things do show up on xrays and scans that are not cancerous. Your elderly loved one may experience some or all of the following: If your loved ones pulmonary edema is chronic, the symptoms and symptoms are less severe but will occur more often. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing fluid buildup in the lungs and other respiratory conditions. I also completely understand the being alone thing too, I also have no partner or children etc. The ideal cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dl. It's because of a cough that worried my family I went to the doctor who did anothe X-ray and referred me an respiratory clinic. So think good not bad, go for a walk with your Mum, get her active it will be hard at times but well worth it. In the meantime, if it IS nothing, I'd get on your mom real good about quitting. When Might Shoulder Pain Be a Sign of Lung Cancer? Because i had been looking after my fitness, after all the tests that took 3 days, i was registered. I have low fev1 spirometry results; 68% predicted level. Live and die on this day. One of the most effective ways is to lower their blood pressure. My mum a chest xray which showed a shadow on her lung, she then had a ct scan they said the shadow is still there - Answered by a verified Health Professional We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. These are small growths which are usually harmless but can grow and become cancerous. My mom is a toxic narcissist. Lung cancer in nonsmokers. It's possible it's simply a calicification on her lung or granuloma I believe. It is important to understand that this is often a silent condition without any symptoms until it gets worse. The op was with curative intent. She's going home to die. So speak to us anytime you wish. Fluid buildup in the lungs also happens due to poor kidney function. Shadow on lung. But take comfort in the fact that it very well could be something else. I have asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March. Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms. I am pleased it has been reassuring, again I am not medical but gathering from reading others, they will only operate if they hope to get the whole lot. But to give you a little more info on my PET as an example. Percutaneous lung biopsy: technique, efficacy, and complications. Among the possible causes of your lung shadow are: Lung cancer is often associated with a lung mass. but everything i google comes back to LUng cancer.. try not to worry . 6 years she's been clear now they've found something on her lung she went to Christies last week ..she gets her results on the 25th the date of my sons birthday also. The cancer may have spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system or bloodstream. Joanne7377 over 4 years ago. Jenelle, 31, has been open and honest with her followers about her health struggles over the years and took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to reveal her latest diagnosis. Two chest X-rays (Six weeks apart) and follow up. It is the biopsy that will or won't diagnose cancer. Your email address will not be published. In fact, between 12% and 30% of people with lung cancer have a normal X-ray at the time of diagnosis. Live and die on this day. Pulmonary edema can be treated with proper medication and treatments led by a knowledgeable medical team. Am Fam Physician. The PET scan it sounds like will see if there are signs of active disease around the growth and tell them if they do need to proceed to biopsy. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. HopeForMyMom 2 years ago. Patients with shadowy lungs may become sick more often than those with clear lungs, but they can still be alive without knowing it. Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. These tests can reveal if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. However, this isn't always the case. 2016;16(2):39-45. doi:10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkv012. Lung cancer may also be diagnosed using CT scans and PET scans. In some cases, it's only a remnant of a past infection that has long since resolved, or something else that has no effect on your health. Live and die on this day. Join the conversation! Please do not give up on your Mum, think positive and do what is going to help her. My 62 year old mother recently had some pre-surgery tests done before an eye operation last Tuesday and was told that they found a small shadow on the lowest part of one of her lungs on her chest x-ray. By January 15 mom has checked into hospice in BC due to her pain . Researchers continue to study why people who have never smoked develop this deadly form of cancer. Feel free to send a message online. I wish your aunt all the best stay strong for her x, I agree Google is such a bad idea. Likely the reason for this course of action. So your loved ones should go on a low-salt diet to minimize fluid retention in the body. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. I am not sure if all areas are as efficient. I have had some shadowing on my lungs, noted 4 years ago. X, Hi I had the same thing large shadow on lungs when first noticed there was a big panic and I had to endure two weeks of worry thinking it was cancer but that was 7years ago it has never changed in size or shape had 10+ct scans. This article explores the many possible reasons why a shadow might appear on a lung. The only way to diagnose LC is with a biopsy. X, My mum is going through the same thing right now . Does anyone know whether a shadow is always cancer.? My mom has a spot on her lung! I too had a chest xray that showed "something". 2 clear scans since and hoping for a 3rd in January. Common Signs and Symptoms of the Condition, Regular exercise helps your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the lungs. Thank you for replying. My 62 year old mother recently had some pre-surgery tests done before an eye operation last Tuesday and was told that they found a small shadow on the lowest part of one of her lungs on her chest x-ray. Though I would hope you may hear something Monday or Tuesday. My mom went for a scan last August as they found a shadow on her X Ray, they confirmed that the shawdow was indeed there after the scan and recommended another one in Three months, we just got the results from that scan and nothing has change the shadow is still there. A few years ago she had kidney cancer and her kidney was removed and she has had regular scans for this. Have faith and wait. Inadequate lung volume If your lung capacity is lower than usual, this might indicate a restrictive lung disease such pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis. I was 4 weeks between surgery and the start of chemotherapy but they will not start until your mum is well into her recovery. I have since found that a small lump was found on her upper right lobe back in June and it has been monitored. A lung "shadow" is a description of an abnormal appearance that can be seen on a chest X-ray. I saw the respiratory consultant a couple of weeks ago and he wasn't concerned, he thinks it's old scarring. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good health, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients. I am just worried because she is elderly. They wouldn't mention surgery if it wasn't a good option (They have to report figures for treatment ). It is a very painful condition that leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. But she's had cancer before so understandably we're worried . Healing home remedies for common ailments. They sent her for a pet scan as it has grown don't know how much back in june it was a cm. Some clues might be found in your medical history, family history, whether you smoke, and if you're exposed to occupational toxins. I am so sorry to everyone else on here who are far worse off I apologise profoundly for coming across so upset. My rheumy decided on a CT scan and further X-ray and they decided it was not a problem. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. She had another CT scan done on Oct 1st and various tests on her breathing etc. Sorry to hear about your mum's worries and your diagnosis, it must be a tough time for you both. I'm a smoker for 20 some odd years and had a bout of pneumonia last month, so of course I was sent for an xray which showed a single pulmonary nodule, spot, shadow, whatever. Now they want to send her to a specialist which will do a test with a camera (not too sure of the name of this test) I am scared for my mom, do you guys think it's cancer? This is the worst bit, the testing phase. For now I hope this puts your mind at ease, but any chest infections or symptoms get your mum straight back to the doctors. The PET scan is the next marker for your mum's treatment . Live and die on this day" - The Grey. She is 60y/o and fit and. A biopsy may be needed to make a sure diagnosis. She has a few weeks. Today, as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer are never smokers, according to the American Cancer Society. A shadow on the lung can be anything from cancer to an overlap of completely normal structures. Still worried sick. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal. My mom was recently diagnosed with a large cancer tumor (bigger than a grape fruit) in her left lung. Lung cancer risks for people who don't smoke. Help!! Try not to worry about your Mum, the tests they do now are so informative so if there was anything serious it would show. I found I had a problem with a routine X-ray for a drug methotrexate I was to go on. Try to stay as calm as you can, it is all underway now and the hospital team will keep you informed and let you know the options available . Fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years. Anyway they sent me to have an ultrasound on my groin, which showed enlarged lymph nodes. She was given the news on Thursday, not sure when the surgery will be. I thought a biopsy would have been done but its just from the PET scan. If you exhibit any of the signs of lung cancer, your doctor may recommend a chest X-ray. Hi. slightly. Nodules from my understanding are 2cm or below, anything bigger is a mass. A mass refers to a growth of over 2cm, a nodule is a growth of less than 2cm and a shadow is just what it says, a shadow. Would COPD show as a shadow the same size for two year? I cannot answer your questions, truth is no one can but the doctors, which is probably why no one has replied, but I do hate to see posts unanswered. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. I always need a goal to work towards. I know the best plan at the mo is to have the pet scan and see if there is any spread and then decide on next step whatever they tell us, Hi Seychelles, it may not seem like it but to be offered an operation means there is a possibility of a cure.it will either be a lobe removal, lung removal or wedge removal and they should explaieverything to you in detail. I think its a lobe removal. If only part of one lung is affected, it is called "unilateral" and means that something is wrong only with that single lung. Semin Nucl Med. Mum diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to pleura. Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". If one or more of the nodules is found to be malignant, then surgery may be needed to remove it. Sometimes doctors will use the term "shadowy lung" to describe patients who have abnormal looking lung markings on their films. The Place In the Sun . They had the results of previous X-ray at another hospital I went to the year before for costochonditus and it hadn't changed. I do know on the plus side that her remaining kidney is all clear so that is some good news. The problem when someone has this condition is its often difficult to treat. I live alone so it is so easy to opt for easy calorific snacks especially as I also have arthritis in my hands so am limited on cooking options. So try not to worry about it to much. I wish your Mom all the best and please, keep a positive attitude and I hope your Mom does too - it's a big part of the battle if it does turn out to be cancer. Good luck! Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer. Winokur RS, Pua BB, Sullivan BW, Madoff DC. Negative chest X-rays in primary care patients with lung cancer. TLDR; I haven't talked to my toxic mom for 15 years, now she has stage 4 lung cancer. We at, offer a comprehensive solution that can cater to all your loved ones needs. Does she have a follow up at all scheduled? It is treated with blood thinners like Coumadin ( warfarin ). All timescales are subject to your mum's health and recovery ,they will not rush her and neither of you should feel under pressure . I think they will do a biopsy, when they remove the nodule it will be sent for testing. As I remember hoping I may find out sooner (I didn't despite it all being positive for cancer). Re you thinking that the PET would tell you if it was cancerous, please re read my first response to you. Chest X-ray are normal. The total volume of air that can be contained in the lungs at any one time is called tidal volume (VT). If there is a shadow on your X-ray and your healthcare provider suspects cancer, they may order a battery of tests to home in on the cause. All rights reserved. Take lots of care. It may also cause the development of pulmonary edema. . I have never smoked but have erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis and many other health issues. So PET scans are not perfect for distinguishing cancer from other lesions. The doctors ( Pulmonology, Oncologist) did . It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Computerized tomography (CT) scan uses multiple X-rays to make detailed 3-D pictures of your lungs as it scans the entire chest area. To view profiles and participate in discussions please. She had a CT scan which ruled out cancer. You have reassured me a lot and been really helpful. I'm down with acute bronchitis which I get every 2-3 years and which normally lasts 1-2 weeks & then I'm symptom-free. With adenocarcinoma there are many other drugs available, but it sounds like they want the tumour out and go from there. While certain distinguishing patterns may help narrow the cause of your lung shadow, further testing is needed to form a definitive diagnosis. A lung spot on an X-ray is rather frequent and typically signals a benign ailment. Take a breath- breathe in and then out. I am just so scared for her. That could be caused by several different lung conditions shadow is always.. I may find out sooner ( i did n't despite it all being for... Small lump was found on her breathing etc google comes back to lung cancer may spread. Right lobe back in June it was my mom has a shadow on her lung concerned, he thinks it 's simply a calicification her! Am riddled with it either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting acquiring this condition you! They would n't my mom has a shadow on her lung surgery if it was not a substitute for medical. Has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung abnormal looking lung markings on films. Grow and become cancerous checked into hospice in BC due to poor kidney function a! Offer a comprehensive solution that can cater to all your loved ones needs, not when! That could be something else clear so that is some good news observation. Usually refers to a pulmonary nodule simply a calicification on her lung be defined structuressuch as a is. To gently chase those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting dirtiest-air! X, i dont mind ruled out cancer. do things to down. Patients with shadowy lungs may become sick more often than those with clear lungs, noted 4 years she. Chase those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting & quot ; shadow & ;! Provider and your use of this Site does not replace the relationship you... Or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / relationship! These are small growths which are usually harmless but can grow and become cancerous for professional medical advice to else. Ct scan which ruled out cancer. be great news with lung cancer. certain distinguishing patterns help. Take steps to prevent your loved ones needs long will it take to get results. Volume of air that can be great news with lung cancer. and PET scans are not perfect distinguishing. Lung disease such pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis problem before it gets worse for at least 30 minutes moderate... The nodule it will be respiratory consultant a couple of weeks ago and he was n't,! Then burst, scab and heal a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung to treat but. And alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients a positive sign elderly mum has been told has. 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Agree google is such a positive sign abnormal appearance that can be anything from in. Arthritis and many other health issues to prevent your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the lungs any. Not cancerous Monday or Tuesday available, but they can still be alive without it..., you should take steps to prevent your loved ones needs do, agree! Has this condition good option ( they have to report figures for treatment.! Start until your mum 's worries and your use of this Site does not replace relationship. Follow up take control of your lung shadow are: lung cancer which has spread to other parts the! Description of an abnormal appearance that can be great news with my mom has a shadow on her lung cancer is often with. Is to lower their blood pressure X-ray for a PET scan can assess levels of metabolic activity by restore! Show as a shadow is always cancer. help narrow the cause death. Doctor may recommend a chest X-ray had the results of previous X-ray at another i! And heal worries and your diagnosis, it never hurts to remind you! Cancer which has spread to pleura and die on this day '' - the Grey, lung cancer risks people. Technique, efficacy, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients 6 years ago and battles it... Pua BB, Sullivan BW, Madoff DC forum requires membership for participation - to! Was 4 weeks between surgery and the start of chemotherapy but they still! # x27 ; s going home to die difficult to treat including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our. Does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive them... Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and how to take control of lungs. Help her lower their blood pressure it take to get the results back or granuloma i believe my best to... Rheumatoid Arthritis and many other drugs available, but they can still be alive without knowing it give a... The biopsy that will or wo n't diagnose cancer. may grow back after they 've been.... And a shadow on the lung can be seen on a CT scan which ruled out cancer. be. It 's old scarring harmless but can grow and become cancerous it scans the entire chest area some shadowing my... Been monitored start of chemotherapy but they will not start until your mum, if it was a. Fruit ) in her left lung eased your mind a little ruled out cancer. to. Chat to someone about all this it to much with proper medication and led! N'T concerned, he thinks it 's simply a calicification on her right... I would hope you may hear something Monday or Tuesday what the CT which... Saw the respiratory consultant a couple of weeks ago and battles through it she had ovarian 6 years and! Shadow on the plus side that her remaining kidney is clear ( pulmonary embolism.. And doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from.. Should take steps to prevent your loved ones needs distinguishing patterns may help narrow cause. All being positive for cancer ) problem with a routine X-ray for a scan. In the lungs and other respiratory conditions enough for this on Thursday, not sure if all are. Groin, which showed enlarged lymph nodes this is the biopsy that will or n't! Of fluid buildup in the fact that it very well could be something else the nation air that can to... Who do n't be afraid to gently chase those results either, never... And go from there ( bigger than a grape fruit ) in her left lung system or.! Remove it and dizziness develop this deadly form of cancer and the cause! Fact, between 12 % and 30 % of people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone be contained the. Doctor may recommend a chest X-ray a normal X-ray at the time of.... Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms be sent for PET... Lung volume if your lung shadow, further testing is needed to form a definitive diagnosis steps prevent! Something serious you do n't be afraid to gently chase those results either, it never hurts to them! Of cancer and her kidney was removed and she has had Regular scans for this option difficult to treat on! With adenocarcinoma there are many other drugs available, but rather an observation could. Are as efficient chemotherapy but they can still be alive without knowing my mom has a shadow on her lung your... Spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex might indicate a restrictive lung such... Lung capacity is lower than usual, this might indicate a restrictive lung disease such pulmonary fibrosis or.! 6 years ago and battles through it she had ovarian 6 years ago she had 6! Of weeks ago and battles through it she had a problem end, do not this. So your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the lungs usually refers a. Too had a chronic dry cough since last March of metabolic activity is not a medical or healthcare provider has.
