Can tumor that spread to other lung be non-malignant

[Snoopy114]

Can a tumor that was seen on CT scan, size of nickel and also 6 on other lung be non-malignant?  I know that only way to know for sure is biopsy but my dad WON'T have one.  The doctor told me it was cancer - stage four.  But can it just be a non-malignant tumor or is it because it's grown (since last year) and is on both lungs does that mean lung cancer.  If so, what is next - again, he won't do any treatments.  What can we expect.  Thank you.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to convince your father to get the lesion investigated so that a confirmed diagnosis is available. There is little benefit in finding out the possible causes of such a lesion as there are quite a few including both malignant and non malignant conditions. So you need to talk to him, ask other members of the family or his friends to talk to him. Also explain that the biopsy is a simple procedure and very safe. It could probably done on an OPD basis in consultation with your doctor. So the treatment and management part can be discussed later, but a diagnosis is most important to begin with. Goodluck and hope you are able to convince him.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  There is, of course, a possibility that the nickel sized lesion seen in your dad's CT scan is non-malignant (example: tuberculosis or sarcoidosis), but if your dad is a heavy smoker (is he?), he is at an increased risk of developing lung cancer and his doctor would consider this diagnosis above the other possibilities.  You are right, the only way to know for sure is to have that biopsy done.  The doctor cannot proceed with proper treatment unless the biopsy is done.

If this is lung cancer, the fact that he has a tumor in the other lung makes this an advanced type of disease.  Treatment of advanced lung cancer is usually not curative, but will help greatly in controlling the spread of the cancer, and prolonging your dad's survival.  Without treatment, patients with advanced lung cancer typically survive for less than a year. With treatment, survival can be improved to 2-5 years.

It is your father's right to choose what treatment he will receive, or to refuse treatment altogether. I respect that.  But consider all your alternatives carefully before making a final decision.  If he has cancer, HE WILL BENEFIT FROM TREATMENT.