CT results how long do I have to live please?

This is the result of the  ct scan done 3 days ago . I have COPD and 61 yr male. Haemoptysis and lower respiratory tract infection, right side pleuritic pain. There is a soft tissue mass lesion centered on the left lower lobe bronchus measuring 2.6 cm. There is an endoluminal component to this. There is associated larger volume lymphadenopathy at the left hilum and extending into the mediastinum with a large nodalmass measuring 5cm in axial dimension affecting the left tracheo bronchial lymph nodes. The lungs otherwise demonstrate severe emphysematous changes, particularly the upper lobes. There is a calcified nodule at the right apex and a small spiculated fibrotic nodule in the left upper lobe. In view of the findings are within the chest, the abdomen was also scanned. The liver demonstrated diffuse fatty infilteration but no hepatic metastases are identified. The adrenals appear normal. There is no upper abdominal lymphadenopathy.Conclusion: Left lower lobe pulmonary neoplasm with associated hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

[Monica M, MD]

Hi,
First you need to get a biopsy from the lung mass to confirm if this is cancerous and to diagnose the nature of the cancer. Many different types of tumors can occur in the lungs including carcinomas, lymphomas etc. The outlook would depend on the nature of the tumor. Since the lung mass has an endoluminal component, a bronchoscopy  may be helpful to ascertain the extent of the lesion and also obtain a biopsy, washings etc.
Treatment options would depend on the nature of the tumor and would most likely include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or targetted therapy.
Stay positive.
All the best and God Bless!

[yorkieuk]

Thank you for such a speedy reply. I am in a bit of a dilemma as this happened to my first wife 18 yrs ago, after needle bioposy washings and surgery she died some five months later.
I do not want to go down this route as although you suggest washings and biopsy then can spread the cancer further, as you can emagine this is a shock to me as only one yr ago there was a ct scan that had non of this on it. Is there five sites of lung mass with a neoplasm, and lymph node involvement. Could you please look at this again and give me any advice as to how long I can expect to live if I do not get intervention and all sites are cancerous

[Monica M, MD]

Hi,
I am sorry to hear about your wife. I can understand that this situation would be a shock and dilemma for you. However the bronchoscopy and the biopsy and washings are a part of the diagnostic evaluation and do not lead to spread of the cancer. Alternatively a transthoracic needle biopsy can be performed. In the absence of a proper diagnosis it would not be appropriate to make any estimate regading the outcome and expected lifespan. I would urge you to go for further investigations.
All the best and God Bless!